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."
separable
pot on
B2 neutral separable transitive
To move a plant from a smaller pot into a larger one so it has more room to grow.
In plain English
To put a plant into a bigger pot when it has grown too big for its old one.
What does "pot on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Pot' means to place in a pot; 'on' suggests continuation or progression — the plant is moved on to the next size of pot.
Actually means
To put a plant into a bigger pot when it has grown too big for its old one.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "pot on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
seedlings tomatoes plant cuttings roots compost
How to conjugate "pot on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "pot on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pot on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.