In the wintertime, your houseplants can offer a touch of freshness to the darker days. Although most houseplants grow more slowly in the winter months, some upkeep habits can help your plant continue to thrive and prepare it for faster growth in the spring. One of the best ways you can prepare your plants for spring is repotting them so they have room to grow. Here are four signs your plant needs a bigger pot. 

1. Roots are poking out. If your plant’s roots are sticking out of the bottom of the pot, it’s time to give it a bigger home. You might also see the roots circling around the inside of the pot which is another clue your plant is longing for some room to grow. 
2. Look at the plant to pot ratio. The golden ratio for plants is two-thirds plant height to one-third pot. If your plant is looming over its pot, it’s time for a bigger home. 
3. Your plant is yellowing. Are the leaves of your plant turning yellow despite proper care? This could be a sign of overwatering or too much light, but it can also be a sign of pot overcrowding. When there is not enough soil to hold the necessary nutrients for the plant, leaves will begin to yellow. 
4. Your plant is losing leaves. Much like yellowing, when plants are starved for nutrients, they begin to sacrifice leaves. 

Need more care tips? Check out our guide on wintertime care for houseplants!