How to Tell if a Plant is Pot Bound

When you grow plants in containers, they can become pot bound over time, causing their growth to be stunted and negatively affecting their overall health. Pot bound plants will need to be repotted into a larger container to thrive. Knowing how to tell if a plant is pot bound can help you identify when it's time to give your plant a bigger home.

What is a Pot Bound Plant?

A pot bound plant is one that has outgrown its current container and its roots have completely filled the pot. This usually happens when a plant has been growing in the same pot for too long or when the pot is too small to accommodate the plant's growth. When a plant becomes pot bound, its roots start to grow in circles within the container rather than expanding outward, which can lead to a lack of nutrients and water, making it difficult for the plant to survive.

Signs Your Plant is Pot Bound

There are several signs that indicate your plant is pot bound:

The roots are growing out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot

The plant looks wilted or droopy, even after watering

The soil dries out quickly and needs to be watered more frequently

The plant has stopped growing or its growth has slowed significantly

The roots are visible on the surface of the soil or are pushing the plant out of the pot

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to check if your plant is pot bound.

How to Check if Your Plant is Pot Bound

To check if your plant is pot bound, carefully remove it from its container and examine the roots. If the roots are tightly packed together and are starting to circle the bottom of the container or the root ball is larger than the pot, then your plant is pot bound. You may also notice that the roots have grown out of the drainage holes or are visible on the surface of the soil.

Another way to check if your plant is pot bound is to lift the container. If it feels significantly heavier than it should for its size, it could be because the roots have grown in the pot and are taking up more space.

How to Repot a Pot Bound Plant

If your plant is pot bound, it's important to repot it into a larger container as soon as possible. Here are the steps to repot a pot bound plant:

Choose a new container that is one size larger than the current pot.

Fill the new container with fresh potting soil, leaving enough room at the top for the plant.

Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, taking care not to damage the roots.

Use your fingers or a small tool to loosen up the root ball and gently remove any excess soil or dead roots.

Place the plant into the new container and fill in any gaps with extra soil.

Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a location that receives the appropriate amount of light and temperature for its species.

By following these steps, you can help your pot bound plant to thrive and continue to grow strong.

Conclusion

If you grow plants in containers, it's important to regularly check them for signs of being pot bound. By identifying pot bound plants and repotting them into larger containers, you can help ensure their well-being and encourage them to grow strong and healthy.