Re-using potting soil - Ask Extension
I have a couple of pots with soil in them left after the original plants died. I want to re-pot a tall leafy plant that threatens to topple itself ove...
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Re-using potting soil #895136
Asked March 22, 2025, 11:19 AM EDT
I have a couple of pots with soil in them left after the original plants died. I want to re-pot a tall leafy plant that threatens to topple itself over due to a small pot and am considering one of the pots just mentioned. Is there any reason I should not use the soil in them to fill the additional space from the move to a larger pot?
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
There are a few factors that will play into this.
Were the pots outdoors? Is this an indoor plant? Why did the plants die?
If it was from root rot or over-watering you may want to change out the soil since there could be some fungal growth in there. If they were kept outside, they would naturally have some fungal spores in the soil but that doesn't necessarily mean they are harmful.
If the plants were healthy, you could replace half of the potting mix with a fresh potting mix to refresh the nutrients.
If you'd like to send us a photo of the plant you want to re-plant, that could be helpful.
Emily
