How to Tell if a Houseplant is Root Bound

Healthy root-bound houseplants typically need to be re-potted into larger pots. The plant has become too small for the existing container and needs room to grow. However, some houseplants thrive when root bound. Roots escaping a pot may indicate poor drainage or lack of water.

Instructions

1. Check the holes in the bottom of the pot (if there are holes). If roots are growing out of the holes, your plant might need to be re-potted. If the plant does not look healthy, or the soil is very dry, this can also indicate that the roots are growing out of the pot trying to find water. Increase your watering schedule or re-pot the plant with gravel in the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.

2. Look at the top of the plant. Is the foliage overwhelming compared to the pot size? If the foliage excessively spilling over the pot on all sides? This might indicate a healthy root-bound plant that would benefit from being re-potted in a larger pot.

3. Moisten the soil and gently pull the plant out of the pot. If there are a lot of thick roots growing in circles at the bottom of the pot, it is most likely root bound.

Tips & Warnings

• Some houseplants thrive when root bound. Spider plants, snake plants, and others will produce new shoots when root bound. Wait until you feel the plant is suffering before re-potting these houseplants.

• When re-potting a root bound houseplant, be careful not to harm the exposed roots.