How do you know if a plant is pot bound?

When your plant outgrows its pot, its root system becomes cramped and starts circling around the bottom and sides of the container instead of growing outward. This can have adverse effects on the plant such as stunted growth, wilting, yellowing leaves, and even death. In this article, we will explore how you can tell if your plant is pot bound and how you can fix the problem.

Signs of a pot-bound plant

There are various signs that your plant is root-bound, including:

The plant looks top-heavy and unbalanced, with most of the foliage at the top of the pot.

The plant needs watering more frequently than before because the roots have taken up most of the available soil.

The plant has thin and wilted leaves despite regular watering and good light exposure.

You notice roots emerging from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

The surface of the soil is heavily compacted and hard to the touch.

How to fix a pot-bound plant

If you see any of these signs or suspect that your plant is root-bound, then it's time to repot it. Here are the steps to follow:

Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one. It is essential to avoid choosing a container that is too big as this will cause the soil to stay wet for longer, encouraging root rot.

Prepare the new pot by adding a layer of fresh potting soil to the bottom to help with drainage.

Remove the plant from its current pot, being careful not to damage the roots. You may need to tap the pot lightly or run a knife around the edges to loosen the soil.

Untangle the roots with your fingers or use a garden fork to separate them gently.

Trim any dead or damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors. This will encourage new roots to form and will help to minimize any stress on the plant.

Place the plant in the center of the new pot and fill in the surrounding area with fresh soil, leaving enough room at the top to water the plant easily.

Water the plant thoroughly and let it drain before returning it to its usual spot.

Preventing a pot-bound situation

Prevention is always better than cure, and this holds for pot-bound plants. Here are a few tips to prevent your plant from becoming root-bound:

Choose the right size pot for your plant. If you're not sure, pick a container that is one size larger than the current one.

Use a quality potting soil that is well-draining and has a good mix of organic matter and perlite or vermiculite, which help to aerate the soil.

Water your plant deeply but infrequently instead of giving it shallow waterings frequently. This will encourage the roots to grow deep into the soil instead of taking up most of the available space.

Regularly fertilize your plant to provide it with essential nutrients to grow strong and healthy roots.

Prune your plant regularly to prevent it from outgrowing its pot.

Conclusion

Root-bound plants pose a threat to the plant's health and growth. If you notice any of the above signs, it's time to repot your plant following the above steps. By preventing the pot-bound situation, you can ensure that your plant thrives and grows to its full potential.