As outdoor plants break dormancy and start to grow in response to longer days and warmer spring temperatures, houseplants usually put on a spurt of growth as well. Eventually, these indoor plants outgrow their containers and need to be repotted. To check if your plants are becoming root bound and need a larger pot, inspect the root system by sliding the plant out of its pot.

Watering several hours beforehand makes it easier to remove plants from clay pots. On pots that are 8 inches in diameter or less, place one hand over the top of the pot with the stem of the plant passing between two fingers, and turn the plant upside down. If necessary, rap the edge of the pot against a table. The root ball should come away from the pot. On pots that are more than 8 inches in diameter, if a bit more encouragement is needed, place the pot on its side and rap the top edge of the pot with a rubber mallet. Turn the plant a few degrees, and repeat the procedure until the root ball releases.

Once the plant is free, take a look at the root ball. If the soil is covered by roots, the plant needs to be moved to a larger pot. Loosen the roots and spread them out. You can prune any roots that circle around the pot.

If the original pot is less than 10 inches across, move up an inch in diameter. If it is 10 inches or larger, increase the size 2 inches. If the pot has drainage holes in the bottom, cover them with a piece of cloth, paper or a coffee filter, so the potting mix is not washed out during watering. If the new soil doesn't have fertilizer, you can add some slow release fertilizer following package directions.

The plant should sit at the same level it was in the old pot. Add potting mix to the pot, but make sure there is still room for water at the top of the pot. The soil mix will need to be firmed slightly before the plant is placed on top of it so it doesn't settle. After the plant is placed, fill in around the original root ball with potting soil. Firm this soil with a slender stick, or tap the bottom of the pot on the table. If this firming is not done, new soil may be so loose that water will tend to move through it rather than through the old soil.

Water the plant thoroughly after repotting, but be especially careful not to overwater for about two weeks. The new soil may stay too wet until roots penetrate. Overwatering can lead to the roots rotting. Some plants need to be repotted annually, though larger plants may be able to go several years before repotting.

Some plants grow too large for their pots and the location where they are growing. If the plant has sentimental value, you may not want to dispose of it when it gets too big. Taking cuttings off the top of the plant can let you start over. This lets you keep the original plant, but in a much smaller size.

It is not hard to create a new houseplant. Start with small pots, potting soil, drinking straws, plastic bags and rubber bands.

Fill the pot with moist potting soil. Remove about a four to six inch piece from the end of a branch. Cut just below where a leaf attaches to the branch and remove the leaf or leaves. There are buds at this location that will grow roots.

It is often helpful to dip the cut end of the cutting into rooting hormone powder to help it produce roots. Use a pencil to make a hole in the soil and stick the cutting into the soil, lightly firm it into place. Any remaining leaves should not touch the soil or other cuttings. A single cutting should be placed in pots less than four inches across and as many as three can be grown in a six-inch-wide pot.

Stick three sticks or straws into the pot near the edge. Place a large plastic bag over the pot to create a small greenhouse. Use a rubber band to close the bag around the bottom of the pot. Place the pot in a saucer where small amounts of water can be added. If the soil was moist to begin with, it will need very little watering until roots begin forming.

Place the pot under a grow light where it can get bright light without needing to be in the sun. Full sun can easily heat the greenhouse to a temperature too high for the cutting to survive, since it can't get enough water without roots. Normal room temperatures are fine.

Roots will begin forming in a week or two, but they also might take over a month. When the cutting can be tugged on and it stays anchored, roots are forming and the greenhouse can be left off.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at [email protected]. To find out more about Jeff Rugg and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.