pot on
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To put a plant into a bigger pot when it has grown too big for its old one.
Literal meaning: 'Pot' means to place in a pot; 'on' suggests continuation or progression — the plant is moved on to the next size of pot.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To move a plant from a smaller container into a larger pot to give its roots more room to grow.
"These tomato seedlings are getting rootbound — it's time to pot them on."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used primarily in British gardening contexts. 'Pot on' specifically implies moving to a larger container, whereas 'pot up' implies the initial potting or a more general repotting. Common in gardening programmes, books, and casual speech among gardeners.
Commonly used with
seedlings tomatoes plant cuttings roots compost
Forms
Base
pot on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pots on
he/she/it
Past simple
poted on
yesterday
Past participle
poted on
have + pp
-ing form
poting on
continuous
Understand "pot on" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "pot on" on Looplines