Has your favourite indoor plant stopped thriving despite all your efforts? It could be root-bound, a common issue for potted plants that restricts their growth. The good news is that you can restore your root-bound plants to total health with timely repotting and proper care.
What Does It Mean for a Plant to Be Root-bound?
When a plant becomes root-bound, its roots outgrow the pot, becoming tightly tangled and compacted. This makes it difficult for the plant to absorb water, nutrients, and oxygen, resulting in poor health. In some cases, the roots might even grow into the pot’s walls or through the drainage holes, making it hard to remove the plant without causing damage. The root mass may be too large for severely root-bound plants to fit through the pot opening.
Do Some Plants Prefer to Be Root-bound?
Certain plants thrive in slightly root-bound conditions, as it limits their growth and can encourage blooming or fruiting. However, this only works up to a point. If the roots become too restricted, your plant may begin to suffer. Signs of a root-bound plant in distress include:
- Slow or stunted growth
- Small or sparse new foliage
- Yellowing leaves
- Weak or drooping appearance
- Cracked pots, especially near the rim or drainage holes
- Soil dries out quickly after watering
- Roots growing out of the pot’s top or drainage holes
How to Repot a Root-bound Plant
Materials You’ll Need:
- A new pot with drainage holes, slightly larger than the current one
- Fresh, nutrient-rich potting soil
- Pruning shears or scissors
- A gardening trowel or spade
- A container for soaking the root ball (optional)
Step 1: Choose the Right Pot
Pick a new pot that’s about 5-7 cm larger in diameter than the current one. For plants that prefer well-drained soil, make sure the pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Soil
Have high-quality potting soil ready to help your plant recover and grow strong after repotting.
Step 3: Water the Plant Before Repotting
Water your plant one to two days before repotting to keep the roots hydrated and reduce the stress of transplanting.
Step 4: Gently Remove the Plant
Carefully remove the plant from its pot. You may need to tap the sides or gently squeeze the pot to loosen the root ball.
Step 5: Inspect and Untangle the Roots
Once you’ve freed the plant, check the roots. If they’re tightly wound, gently untangle them. For stubborn roots, use pruning shears to carefully trim some away, but don’t remove too many. Avoid tearing or ripping the roots.
Step 6: Add Fresh Soil to the New Pot
Place a layer of fresh soil at the bottom of the new pot. This will allow the roots to spread out and give the plant a firm base in its new container.
Step 7: Repot the Plant
Place the plant in the centre of the new pot, ensuring it sits at the same depth as before. Fill in the sides with fresh soil and gently press it down to secure the plant.
Step 8: Water Thoroughly
After repotting, water your plant thoroughly. This will help the soil settle and hydrate the plant’s roots.
Step 9: Keep an Eye on Your Plant
Continue your regular plant care routine, but monitor your plant closely over the next few weeks to ensure it’s adjusting well to its new pot.
What If the Plant Won’t Come Out of the Pot?
If your plant is stuck, avoid pulling on the stem, as this could cause more damage. Try the following techniques:
- Use a thin stick or trowel to pry the roots away from the pot’s edges gently.
- If the root ball is too large for the pot opening, carefully divide it with clean, sharp shears. Ensure each section has roots and foliage attached before repotting them in smaller containers.
- For pots that aren’t valuable or fragile, consider breaking or cutting the pot away from the plant.
- If roots are stuck in the drainage holes, gently push them free with a stick or tool.
- Water the plant before attempting removal—moist soil is easier to work with.
- If the plant is still stuck, submerge the entire pot in water to loosen the soil and untangle the roots.
Will Cutting the Roots Harm My Plant?
Pruning roots requires care to avoid harming your plant. Follow these guidelines to ensure safe trimming:
- Use sharp, clean shears to make precise cuts.
- Remove roots blocking the plant from coming out of the pot.
- Once the plant is free, you can trim small, circling roots to prevent future root-binding. Focus on the fine, hair-like roots rather than the thick taproots, which are essential for absorbing nutrients and water.
- Avoid cutting taproots, and if you must, trim no more than one or two. The plant will take longer to recover if its main roots are damaged.
- If you find you need to cut away a large portion of the root ball, consider propagating the plant instead of repotting.
Identifying a root-bound plant and understanding how to repot it properly is crucial for maintaining your plant’s health. With the right-sized pot, fresh soil, and gentle root care, you can give your plants the room they need to grow and thrive.