What Root-Bound Houseplants Enjoy?

Plants that prefer to be root bound can be found in various types of plants, such as peace lilies, snake plants, jade plants, hoya, aloe vera, Boston Ferns, polydendrons, and succulents. Alocasia is the first selection that doesn’t need frequent repotting, as its roots are unable to absorb enough water and nutrients when too pot-bound. Jade plants also don’t need watering.

Some plants like to be root bound, such as cacti and other succulent plants, which guard against rot. African violets and related plants also prefer being root bound. To remove a root-bound plant from the pot, loosen the roots and place it in a larger pot for roots to expand. When a plant becomes root bound, repot it after pruning old and damaged leaves and water it immediately to avoid transplant shock. Aloe vera is a houseplant that can thrive even without frequent watering or repotting.

In this article, 17 houseplants that thrive in rootbound conditions in snug containers are discussed. Peperomia, African violets, peace lilies, sansevieria, spider plants, and ficus do well when kept root bound. Examples of plants that prefer to be root bound include Dolphin vine, Spider plants, African violet, Peace Lily, Aloe, Christmas cactus, and asparagus fern.

Aloe vera is a plant that can thrive even without frequent watering or repotting. Some indoor plants that prefer being root bound include spider plants, sansevieria (snake plant), umbrella tree, jade, and aloe. The Blue Star Fern loves being rootbound and only needs repotting when it has completely outgrown its pot.

While growing a plant tight can yield some results, no plant likes or prefers to be rootbound. If it did, Mother Nature would have to adapt accordingly.

How often should you repot houseplants?

Houseplants typically need repotting every 12-18 months, except for succulents and cacti. It’s important to avoid repotting immediately after bringing a plant home from the plant shop, as it may take time for the plant to adjust to its new environment. If unsure about the plant’s age, check if roots are emerging from drainage holes or soil base. If the plant is slightly root-bound, it may be easier to repot. If the plant appears healthy and growing steadily, it’s fine in its current pot. If it shows signs of needing repotting, it’s best to wait for further advice.

Do pothos like to be root bound?

A Golden Pothos plant may need repotting if it appears cramped, with roots peeking out of drainage holes, a tangle of roots circling the bottom, or a Loch Ness monster. Stunted growth indicates that the plant is pleading for more space, and a water issue is likely due to compacted, overworked soil. Visual cues include instability in the pot, top-heavy plants, and sickly yellow or brown leaves. If the pot has cracked, it’s too swole for its home and needs a new pot to flex its roots. In summary, a Golden Pothos plant needs repotting if it appears cramped, has stunted growth, has poor drainage, and is in need of a new pot to flex its roots.

Should you remove old soil when repotting?

To repotted a plant, pour fresh potting mix into an empty planter, removing air pockets and creating crevices for extra water to pool. Place the plant on top of the mix, ensuring it is centered, and add more potting mix around it until secure. Avoid packing too much soil, as roots need space to breathe. Even out the potting soil on top and water well. A freshly repotted plant does not need to be fed fertilizer. This process ensures the plant’s health and growth.

What to avoid when repotting a plant?

Avoid repotting a plant with incorrect soil and pot size, pots without drainage holes, over- or underwatering the plant, placing the plant in low light or direct sunlight, fertilizing the soil without allowing roots to adjust, and repotting at the wrong time of year or too soon. Repotting a plant is essential for its health and optimal growth, but incorrect repotting can harm or even kill it. This how-to guide will teach you how to repot your indoor plant easily, from selecting the right pot to handling the plant’s roots carefully.

Should you water plants immediately after repotting?

If the new potting mix is slightly moist, soaking the root system when done is not necessary. Watering at the end can cause stress on the plant, so most newly-transplanted houseplants, especially cacti and succulents, should go a few days without additional water to allow their new roots to breathe and begin growing in their new space. For moisture-loving plants, watering sooner is recommended. The best bet is to stick to the level of soil moisture and the watering schedule your plant is used to.

If your plant is rootbound and wants to continue growing bigger, repotting in a bigger pot is the best choice. However, if you like the size your plant is now or the pot it’s already in, you might try root-pruning instead. Pruning the root ball may sound risky, but it’s not harmful, especially during the active growing season when the plant is producing new roots quickly. To prune the roots, remove the rootbound plant from its pot, use clean, sharp garden scissors or pruners to remove no more than a third of the root mass, and gently loosen the remaining roots, set the plant back in the container, and fill in with new soil as needed.

What are the signs that a plant is root-bound?

Plants with numerous roots growing out of the bottom or through the drainage hole indicate a desire to move out of their pot. This may indicate that subterranean roots are condensed in the soil and are seeking more space. However, aerial roots may not always indicate that the roots beneath the soil need more space.

If the plant is rootbound and requires frequent watering, it may be a sign that it needs more soil. Rootbound plants have dense soil and are difficult to break into due to their density. Repotting a rootbound plant can help maintain moisture retention by adding more soil.

Stunted new growth could indicate rootbound and stunted plants, which could be due to lighting or water issues. If the plant is not growing during the growing season, it may need more space in the rootball to grow larger. This could be due to light or water conditions.

Delayed gratification is another important tip when repotting a plant. After bringing the plant home from the nursery, give it time to acclimate to its new lighting and water situation. Repotting during spring or summer will benefit warm-season plants by providing extra space for root growth, while dormant plants may require additional soil and root space during winter.

In conclusion, recognizing these signs and repotting plants can help ensure their health and growth.

What happens if you don’t repot root bound plants?

Pot-bound plants have roots that grow in a circular fashion, following the shape of the container, causing them to form a tight mass that can overwhelm the pot and potting medium. This can lead to signs of ill health, such as leaf drop, minimal new growth, and failure to thrive. To remove a pot-bound plant, check the drainage holes at the bottom, cut any roots that may be growing through, and try pushing up through the holes to loosen the plant. Once the plant is removed, firmly grip the base of the pot and pull it out of the container.

If clinging roots remain, run a garden or butter knife around the edge of the pot to loosen the roots. If the pot is plastic, firmly wack the pot on all sides to loosen roots. Plastic nursery pots can also be cut off if the roots are wedged into pot crevices and refuse to budge.

What plants hate to be transplanted?

Transplanting root crops like carrots, beets, and turnips is not suitable for gardening due to potential damage. However, young plants can be purchased from nursery for transplanting into the garden, which is easier and faster than growing from seed. However, there are potential challenges such as finding a high-quality nursery, selecting suitable varieties, and having them available at the right planting time.

A simple method for growing vegetables is to purchase a six-pack of young plants from the nursery, dig holes in the planting bed, and transplant the plants to the bed. Firm the soil around the roots, water thoroughly, and apply fertilizer. Before buying the plants, ensure they are well-taken care of, have no flowers or fruits, and that the roots are not knotted.

Transplants offer flexibility in planning and growing crops, such as planting tomatoes indoors in January in late March or early April when conditions are suitable outdoors. Lettuce grown for harvest in the fall should be transplanted in August and September, as high temperatures in the field can induce seed dormancy. Transplants can give the gardener a jump start on the growing season and reduce problems encountered with direct seeding. They also save space in the garden, as fall/winter crops often continue to be harvested well into winter, allowing the previous crop to be fully harvested before the next crop is planted.

Should you break up roots when repotting plants?

To ensure efficient nutrient absorption, trim tightly packed roots and loosen up the root ball before replanting. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove as much as the bottom third of the root ball as necessary, removing a thick tangle of root tissue. Make vertical cuts about a third of the way up the remaining root ball. Cut through any roots growing in a circular pattern to prevent the plant from strangling itself. If the roots are thick along the sides of the root ball, shave or peel away the outer layer or gently untangle the root ball.

The proper size of the new pot depends on the plant’s potential growth rate, current conditions, and desired size. Rely on your own idea of a healthy specimen of a particular species and go with a pot the next size up when in doubt.

What plants don’t need to be repotted?

The Snake Plant (sansevieria) is a classic plant known for its pointy leaves and durability. It rarely needs repotting and can sit in the same pot for years, making it ideal for office spaces. While plant care can be time-consuming, some plants are happy to sit in the same pot for years at a time, making them a great option for those with busy lifestyles. Repotting can be a bit of an effort, but it’s essential to remember that not everyone has the time or means to care for their plants in this way.

Is it OK to cut roots on a root bound plant?

Root pruning is a process that can improve the growth and health of perennial plants, small trees, and shrubs within a pot. If the plant is root-bound or growing too vigorously, it may be a candidate for this process. Properly done, root pruning can improve the plant’s overall health, especially for container plants that can become “pot-bound”. This occurs when the roots cannot take up enough nutrients and water to support the plant, and a severely root-bound plant can eventually die. To remove the outer soil and roots, use a sharp soil knife or pruning shears.