---
title: "Do we think it’s time for a repot on this chameleon ZZ plant? Roots…"
description: "Do we think it’s time for a repot on this chameleon ZZ plant? Roots are growing out the bottom with secondary roots in them but the pot isn’t full? Any tips?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/PzUXA55Z4MJLSRVR6OVBsU"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Snowstorm"
published: "2026-07-07T03:22:54.360735Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/kbxreZo9tY3RlsyTziQUu7yH2oqcyZEbj4wNRx6BGuU/7-ZU6oa5RfSndLdYadg5vw.webp?size=large"
---

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# Do we think it’s time for a repot on this chameleon ZZ plant? Roots…

_Posted by Snowstorm on 2026-07-07_

Do we think it’s time for a repot on this chameleon ZZ plant? Roots are growing out the bottom with secondary roots in them but the pot isn’t full? Any tips?

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/kbxreZo9tY3RlsyTziQUu7yH2oqcyZEbj4wNRx6BGuU/7-ZU6oa5RfSndLdYadg5vw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/kbxreZo9tY3RlsyTziQUu7yH2oqcyZEbj4wNRx6BGuU/3WmEcOSnTLGimZYqWt--jw.webp?size=large)

## 12 comments

### plantgeek commented on 2026-07-07

not time yet. snip the ones coming out so they aren't bothersome once it is actually time

#### Snowstorm replied on 2026-07-07

I was gonna cut the drainage holes out around them so not to damage the roots when it came time. I can snip the roots tho? That seems scary!

#### clairabotanica replied on 2026-07-10

Totally safe to trim roots. Just sterilize whatever tool you use. During a repot it's possible to cut off up to 1/3 of a plant's root structure and the plant will recover. A lot of people prune roots for the purpose of encouraging new growth. I would prefer cutting off the roots rather than cutting the pot around them, because i want to reuse the pot but the roots will regrow.

#### Snowstorm replied on 2026-07-11

Ok I’ll give them a trim. Prob easier to do that anyways then try to cut the pot and wiggle them out without damaging them or the plant. I remember repotting this guy last time was a bit finicky. Thanks for the advice and encouragement!!

#### plantgeek replied on 2026-07-11

for future reference, the way to tell if a plant needs repotting is if the roots have begun to circle around the walls of the pot. for plants that prefer to be tight like monsteras and snake plants, you can even wait for the roots to start pushing the plant upward and out of the pot

#### Snowstorm replied on 2026-07-11

Oh good tip! Thanks!!

### Caitlin commented on 2026-07-07

If you bottom water roots tend to poke out the bottom but it doesn't necessarily mean you need a repot

#### Snowstorm replied on 2026-07-07

I only bottom water so this makes sense. I’ve just never had these thick of roots before!

### LeafyGreenhouse commented on 2026-07-07

No, ZZ plants sometimes prefer being in a smaller pot and if it’s not very root-bound then it’s fine.

#### Snowstorm replied on 2026-07-07

Yea not very root bound but I was shocked with the secondary roots on the ones popping out never had that before

#### LeafyGreenhouse replied on 2026-07-08

That means it’s very happy!

#### Snowstorm replied on 2026-07-08

🥳🥳🥳 that means I must be doing something right!!! Thanks!!

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