I recently picked up a couple of plants from the grocery store—a monstera cobra and a philodendron brasil, both looking pretty decent. I'm torn about whether to repot them immediately or let them settle in first. The soil they came in isn't great, and I have a quality mix with perlite, orchid bark, and worm castings arriving today. Should I go ahead and repot them to check for any hidden issues, or is it better to give them time to adjust to their new environment? Also, any other tips would be appreciated! I'm planning to check for root rot but won't be fertilizing until the spring unless I see new growth.
2 Answers
I’m usually all for repotting immediately because the plants are already stressed from their store treatment and transport. A little extra stress from repotting won't hurt, and it gives you a chance to inspect for root rot or pests. However, if they’re actively flowering or pushing out new growth, I’d consider waiting it out to avoid damaging those fresh leaves.
That’s great to hear! New growth is a good sign. You might want to keep an eye on them just in case, but it sounds like they’re doing well.
I'd suggest repotting right away. Most grocery store plants come in weird, rubbery soils and sometimes even have biodegradable plugs that can mess things up. Check the roots for any issues and then get them into some good soil!

Just wanted to share—there are definitely new leaves coming out on both plants! I'll add pictures in another comment.