Root Bound Houseplants: When to Repot and When to Leave Them Be
When it comes to root bound houseplants, the general advice is to repot them as soon as their roots start to fill the pot. However, this isn’t always the best course of action. For some plants, being root bound is actually beneficial.
Plants That Prefer to Be Root Bound
Some plants that actually prefer to be root bound include:
- Peace lily
- Spider plant
- African violets
- Aloe
- Umbrella tree
- Ficus
- Agapanthus
- Asparagus fern
- Spider lily
- Christmas cactus
- Jade plant
- Snake plant
- Boston fern
Why Some Plants Do Better as Root Bound
There are a few reasons why some houseplants perform better when they are root bound.
- Transplanting shock: Some plants, like Boston ferns and African violets, do not transplant well. Repotting them can shock the plant and even kill it.
- Blooming: Other plants, like peace lilies and Christmas cacti, will not produce blooms unless they are under some kind of stress. Repotting these plants can prevent them from flowering.
- Offshoots: Some plants, like spider plants and aloe, will not produce offshoots unless they are cramped. Repotting these plants can result in a large mother plant with no babies.
When to Repot Root Bound Plants
Even for plants that prefer to be root bound, there comes a time when they need to be repotted. Here are a few signs that it’s time to repot your root bound plant:
- The plant is no longer growing.
- The leaves are turning yellow or brown.
- The roots are starting to grow out of the drainage holes in the pot.
- The plant is top-heavy and starting to tip over.
How to Repot a Root Bound Plant
When you repot a root bound plant, it’s important to be careful not to damage the roots. Here are a few tips:
- Use a pot that is only slightly larger than the old pot.
- Loosen the roots gently before repotting.
- Add fresh potting mix to the new pot and tamp it down gently around the roots.
- Water the plant thoroughly after repotting.
Conclusion
Whether or not to repot a root bound plant is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis. For some plants, being root bound is beneficial, while for others it can be harmful. If you’re not sure whether or not your plant prefers to be root bound, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and repot it.
