What is a Pot Bound Plant?

A pot bound plant is a plant that has outgrown its container, such that its roots have wrapped around the bottom and sides of the pot in a tight ball or mat. This can happen when a plant isn’t repotted often enough or if it was originally planted in a container that was too small for its current size.

Symptoms of Pot Bound Plants

There are several signs that a plant may be pot bound, including:

Roots visibly growing through drainage holes in the pot

Plant top-heavy and leaning to one side

Yellowing or stunted growth of leaves

Drying out too quickly or needing frequent watering

Why Pot Bound Plants Need Repotting

Pot bound plants can experience a range of problems, including:

Roots becoming cramped and unable to absorb enough water and nutrients, leading to stunted growth and poor health

Roots growing in circles, making it difficult for new roots to form and creating a risk of root rot from waterlogged soil

Roots pushing up and out of the pot, lifting the plant and potentially damaging the container

How to Repot a Pot Bound Plant

If you suspect your plant is pot bound, it’s time to repot it. Here are the steps:

Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, teasing apart any roots that have grown in circles and pruning any that are dead, damaged, or excessively long.

Select a new pot that is a couple of inches wider and deeper than the previous pot, with drainage holes in the bottom.

Add some fresh potting soil to the bottom of the new pot, making a small mound in the center to support the plant.

Place the plant in the new pot, spreading its roots over the soil and filling in with more potting soil until the plant is level with the soil line.

Press gently to firm the soil and water well.

Preventing Pot Bound Plants

To prevent your plant from becoming pot bound in the future, keep these tips in mind:

Choose a pot that is the right size for your plant when you initially pot it.

Monitor your plant’s growth and repot it when it outgrows its container.

Assess whether it’s time to repot by checking for roots growing out of drainage holes or the pot cracking from pressure.

By understanding the signs and symptoms of pot bound plants, you can take action to keep your plants healthy and thriving. Regular repotting can ensure that your plants have ample space for roots to grow and absorb the water and nutrients they need to thrive.