If a plant is root bound in its container, what should be done?

When a plant is root bound, it means that the roots have grown excessively within the confines of the container, becoming coiled or circling around the edges, which can inhibit growth and proper water and nutrient uptake. The appropriate response to this situation involves addressing the roots to promote healthy growth.

Straightening and pruning coiled roots is crucial because it allows the roots to spread out and grow into the surrounding soil after transplantation. By carefully unwinding the roots and trimming any that are overly tangled or damaged, you can encourage them to take hold in their new environment and help mitigate transplant shock. This process also stimulates new root growth, which is essential for the plant to thrive.

Simply leaving the roots as they are fails to address the underlying issue of restriction in growth, while frequent watering does not rectify the root binding and may lead to waterlogging and further complications. Transplanting into a larger container without making any adjustments to the roots can lead to the same problem persisting, as the roots may continue to grow in the confined manner they were before. Therefore, pruning and straightening the roots is an essential step in successfully transferring a root bound plant to a larger space.