How to Remove a Root Bound Plant from a Pot

Transplanting plants is an essential part of gardening. However, when a plant has outgrown its container, it becomes difficult to remove it from the pot. A root bound plant struggles to absorb water and nutrients, which hinders its growth. Removing a root bound plant from a pot requires some effort, but with the right tools and techniques, you can safely transplant it to a better home.

Tools You Will Need

Before you begin removing the root bound plant from the pot, ensure that you have the necessary tools. You will need a sharp garden spade, a pair of pruning shears, a trowel, and a watering can. The garden spade will be used to loosen the potting soil and roots, while the pruning shears can be useful when cutting away any dead or damaged roots. The trowel will be used to dig into the soil, and the watering can is to moisten the soil, making it easier to remove from the container.

Preparation

Prior to removing the root bound plant from the pot, ensure that you adequately prepare. Begin by watering the plant lightly a day before the transition; the soil will be moist enough to disentangle the roots. Then, with a spade or any garden tool that can fit in between the soil and container, loosen the soil and the roots. Do this gently to avoid damaging the roots. Ensure that you have a space where you would like to transplant the plant, maybe in a larger pot or your garden bed.

Removing the Root Bound Plant from the Pot

To remove the root bound plant from the pot, gently tilt it to one side and observe. The objective is to ease the soil levels and roots from the sides of the container. Using the garden spade, slide it vertically along the wall of the pot, separating the roots from the pot. When you have done this for all the sides of the container, gently pull the plant out of the pot by applying pressure to the container's bottom. You can also push the container from the inside, gently to help dislodge the plant. If this does not work, tap the container's sides till the plant becomes loose.

Untangling the Roots

When the root bound plant is out of the container, you should untangle the roots gently. Begin by pruning the dead and damaged roots using the pruning shears. When untangling the roots, pull them apart very gently, making sure that they are growing freely. In severe cases, you may need to use your fingers to detangle the roots; ensure that you don't force them apart, as this can damage them.

Replanting the Root Bound Plant

Now that the plant is out of the container, it's time to plant it in its new home. Depending on the plant's size and the pot you are using, add some soil mixture to the pot. Make sure that the pot is large enough to accommodate the new soil and the untangled roots. Place the plant in the soil mixture, and ensure that it's planted at the same depth as it was in the previous container. You can top up the pot with some new soil mixture for extra stability.

Conclusion

Transplanting a root bound plant can rejuvenate its growth, and give it a new lease of life. By following the above steps, you can safely remove a root bound plant from a container, avoid damaging its roots, and successfully transplant it to a larger pot, or a bed. Remember to water the newly transplanted plant, and ensure that you follow proper after-care procedures to assist the plant in settling in its new location.