How to Know When My Plant Needs a Bigger Pot

As a plant owner or gardener, you want your plants to thrive and grow healthily. One essential factor for this is the plant's pot size. If you notice that your plant is not growing as fast as it should or appears to be struggling, it might be time to upgrade to a bigger pot. Here are a few ways to determine when your plant needs a bigger pot.

Check the roots

One of the tell-tale signs that a plant needs a bigger pot is when its roots start to outgrow the current container. If you take the plant out of its pot, and you see a mass of tangled roots, then it's time to repot it. Another way to check the roots is to see if they are growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. Be sure to look for the white small roots as they are the feeder roots that allow the plant to absorb nutrients and water from the soil.

Matted roots on the soil surface

Sometimes, it could be difficult to tell if a plant's roots have outgrown the container, especially when the roots have matted on the soil surface. In such a case, the pot might need to be gently tipped, and you can observe whether the soil is filled with roots or not. When the soil surface is matted with roots, it becomes hard for the plant to access water and nutrients since the roots cannot penetrate the layer of roots. Therefore, you will need to upgrade to a bigger pot to give the plant enough room to grow.

The foliage and flowers are stunted or wilted

When a plant begins to outgrow its container, it starts to experience a decline in growth due to the limited space and nutrients. The plant's foliage and flowers may begin to wilt, and the plant could experience a slow or gradual decline that will ultimately lead to the plant's death. If you notice such symptoms, it's essential to check the roots and switch to a bigger pot to provide the plant with more room to grow, thereby reviving it.

Water doesn't penetrate the roots properly

Plants thrive when their roots are adequately watered. When you water your plants, the water should soak through the soil and reach the roots, providing the plant with the water it needs to grow. However, when a plant outgrows the pot, the water might not penetrate the roots effectively. The soil might stay damp even days after watering, or the water may run straight through the pot without being absorbed by the roots. In such cases, you need to repot the plant into a bigger container.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a plant's pot size plays a vital role in its growth and life span. When you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it is time to repot the plant to a bigger pot. When repotting, it is essential to select the appropriate pot size and soil type to ensure the plant thrives and grows healthily.