How to Transplant a Pot-Bound Ivy

Identify if your ivy is pot-bound. Look at the drainage holes of you pot. Roots growing out the drainage holes signals root crowding. Another sign is standing water when you water your ivy. A mass of roots prevents the water from seeping readily into the soil. Typically, your ivy will outgrow its pot every two to three years.

Spread out enough newspaper to cover your work area. You can also do this project outdoors and skip the newspaper.

Remove the ivy from its old pot. If it is in a plastic pot, gently squeeze the sides to loosen the soil. If your ivy is in a rigid pot, run a trowel along the edge between the soil and the pot to loosen the soil. Then, cup your hand around the base of the ivy and turn the pot over until the plant comes out. Set the ivy aside.

Place a 1-inch layer of soil in the bottom of the new pot. Center your ivy in the new pot, then fill in the sides with additional potting soil. Place a 1/2-inch layer of potting mix over the surface of the old soil. You don't want to plant the ivy much deeper than it was planted in the old pot, but this thin layer of soil gives a clean look to your transplanted ivy.

Place the newly potted ivy in a sink and thoroughly moisten the soil with water. Allow the water to drain for 20 minutes.

Pour out any standing water from the base of the pot. Wipe the pot dry and place the ivy back in its original location.