Yes, you should water immediately after repotting in most cases, but how much you give depends on your plant type. A good soak helps settle soil around roots and removes air pockets that form during the move. Water also helps your roots make contact with fresh potting mix right away.
I tested different watering after repotting methods on my own plants over the years. Most of my tropicals did best with a thorough soak until water drained from the holes. My succulents rotted when I watered them right away. They thrived when I waited a week first.
The first watering your repotted plant gets serves a purpose beyond just giving it a drink. Water flows through your pot and pushes soil into gaps around roots. These air pockets dry out root tips fast. They slow down your plant's ability to absorb water and food from the soil.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden suggests two approaches based on what you are planting. Most houseplants do well with water that runs through the pot. Plants with damaged roots or succulents need light moisture only at first to protect their wounds.
For your tropical houseplants, water until liquid flows from the drainage holes below. Let your pot drain for about fifteen minutes before you put it back in its saucer. Never let your plant sit in standing water after repotting since this invites rot to the roots.
Your succulents and cacti need a different approach because their roots rot fast when wounded. Wait five to seven days before giving them any water at all after their move. This delay lets any wounded roots callus over and heal before moisture touches them.
Your post-repotting watering schedule should differ from your normal routine for a few weeks after the move. Stressed roots cannot absorb water as fast as healthy ones can. Check your soil with your finger before you water instead of following a set schedule.
Watch your plant close for signs of overwatering during the first month after you repot it. Yellow leaves, mushy stems, and a sour smell from the soil mean you gave too much water. Let your soil dry out more between waterings if you see these warning signs appear.
Most people give too much water during recovery from what I have seen. They worry about their plants too much. Your freshly potted plant needs less water than you think while its roots settle in. Trust the finger test. The first watering repotted plant receives lasts longer than you expect it to.
Read the full article: How to Repot Plants: 10 Essential Steps
