1. Signs of a Rootbound Plant
The pot has been filled with roots and there is very little soil left
Because there is very little soil left when you water, it goes right through and drains out, nothing is retained ...
Rootbound A condition which exists when a potted plant has outgrown its container. The roots become entangled and matted together, and the growth of the plant becomes stunted.
Repot older plants when rootbound. Otherwise, early spring is the best time to repot when plants are still resting and before new growth appears. Place a few inches of soil mix over the pebbles. Gently remove plant from old container by its stem.
Plus, if a plant's roots enjoy the rich soil too much, they will not extend beyond the planting hole, eventually becoming rootbound.
Loosen the roots of pot-bound, container-grown shrubs.
I'd been warned that clivias prefer to be rootbound, so I knew mine wouldn't blossom the first couple of years. I moved it as it grew out of its original 2 1/2-inch pot to successively larger pots, finally settling for one about 8 inches wide.
If a plant is rootbound, it helps to water the root ball thoroughly in advance. For plants in small to medium pots, invert the pot and support the top of the root ball with one hand.
To repot a mature plant that's become rootbound-which means the roots have formed thick coils around the old soil and may even be poking through the drainage hole -- follow the same procedure.
Keep in mind that Bird of Paradise plants bloom best when they are rootbound, so keep the new pot size as small as is feasible.
Do not water the plants for 2-3 days to give the cuts a chance to 'callous' over before resuming moderate watering ...
If a plant is rootbound in its container, make 3 or 4 slits with a knife in the root ball. Set the plant at the same level as it was in the container.
The trick to planting tomatoes is to allow them to become slightly rootbound, which forces the plants into flower early, resulting in early fruiting.
However, be warned that they quickly girdle themselves and become rootbound, ...
Container-grown perennials may be rootbound. When this occurs, loosen the rootball by untwining or scoring it with your hands or a sharp knife.
For more information, see the following Colorado State Extension fact sheet(s).
However, they must allow water to drain out the bottom, and they should hold enough soil so the seedling will not be constantly drying out or instantly rootbound.
Melons are easily set back if they become rootbound in tiny containers, or if their roots are disturbed at transplanting, so it is important to sow the seeds in peat pots that give the roots plenty of room.
Avoid rootbound plants. These plants will appear to be very tightly crammed in the pot and the roots may be coming out of the bottom of the container.
Avoid plants that have insects or disease.
Rootbound plants tend to bloom better, so don't repot your plant very often. As the plant begins to grow in the spring, increase watering but only slightly. This is a cactus, and it doesn't need as much water as other houseplants.
As perennial plants grow, they can fill the entire pot with their roots. They will become stunted if they are allowed to remain rootbound, so from time to time you can move them up to larger pots with a fresh batch of soilless mix.
It's extremely important to loosen or tease the roots of plants (figure C) before sticking them in a pot, especially those that are rootbound. The process may look a bit extreme, but it's actually beneficial.
You will have to handle your pumpkin seedlings carefully so that they won't be set back by the transplanting process. Don't allow them to get rootbound in their pots, and make sure to keep their root ball intact when you put them into the ground.
It is happiest when rootbound. Provide bright, indirect sunlight and good air circulation. Keep the soil moist; feed regularly. In November, when growth slows, water less frequently. Clivias canbe moved outside to a shady spot for the summer.
To plant them, dig a hole at least twice as wide as the container the plant is growing in, but no deeper. Gently loosen and spread apart the roots (especially if the plant is rootbound) before placing the plant in the hole.
This loosens any rootbound soil inside the plant. You should be able to wiggle the plant right out of the pot. Use clippers to cut the plastic starter pot for plants with particularly stubborn roots.
 See also: Plant, Soil, Water, Light, Growing
  
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