Potting up without stressing the roots

When to pot up

Once roots are visible through the drainage holes of the current container, not before. Potting up too early just gives the plant more soil than its root system can use, which holds excess moisture near the stem.

The move itself

Water the seedling an hour before transplanting so the root ball holds together. Support it from underneath, never by pulling on the stem, and set it into the new container at the same depth it was growing before.

What to expect after

A few days of slightly droopy leaves is normal transplant response, not a problem to fix. Resist the urge to feed heavily right away. Let the roots find the new soil first.