Your pothos becoming root bound can be a challenge. If you’ve found your plant is unhappy and you’re not sure why then it could be that its roots are too cramped.
I’ll take you through the main signs of root bound pothos, show you how to confirm that’s the problem and what to do to bring your plant back to full health. And on top of that some helpful tips to stop the issue in the future.
What Is a Root Bound Plant?
Let’s start with the basics. A plant is “root bound” when its roots have grown too big for the pot.
Instead of spreading out in a natural way they will start to circle inside the pot and then will become tangled. The usual cause of this is because of a pot that’s too small which stops the roots from growing properly. When they can’t grow fully they then won’t be able to absorb enough water or nutrients and the plant will suffer.
Signs Your Pothos Is Root Bound
1. Roots Emerging from Drainage Holes
This is the most obvious sign. Roots that are pushing out of the drainage holes are desperately looking for more space. When you see this your pothos is clearly in need of some help.
2. Roots on the Surface of the Soil
If you can see the roots pushing through the topsoil that’s also a clear sign the roots have filled the pot. Healthy roots should not be pushing up above the soil line.
3. Dry Soil Even After Watering
When a plant is root bound it has less soil to hold on to moisture so it will dry out faster. So if your pothos seems like it needs watering all the time no matter how often you do it that could be because the roots are taking up lots of space.
4. Yellowing Leaves
If your pothos leaves are turning yellow or brown that’s a sign the plant is stressed.
When the roots become crowded the plant can’t take up the nutrients or water it needs and the leaves will become discolored.
5. Droopy or Wilting Leaves
When the leaves are wilting – even if the soil is damp – it shows there’s an issue with the roots. The plant isn’t getting what it needs from the soil.
6. Stunted Growth
If your pothos isn’t growing any new leaves then it could be root bound. When the roots are cramped and unhappy growth will slow down.
7. Cracked or Warped Pot
If the roots are really overcrowded they can put enough pressure on a plastic pot to warp it and on ceramic pots crack them. This is an extreme sign but it does happen.
8. Soil Shrinkage
When the roots are compacted for a long time they can push the soil to the edges of the pot and this will make gaps you can see.
9. Unhealthy Root Appearance
When you take your pothos out of its pot and look at the roots they might look brown, mushy or tangled. Healthy roots should be firm and white.
10. Poor Drainage
Water pooling on top of the soil or that is taking a long time to drain them the roots being compacted could be blocking the pots drainage holes.
Confirming the Problem
To be sure your pothos is root bound you’ll need to take a look at it:
- Tilt the pot and slide your pothos it out of it.
- Look at the ball of roots. Are they tightly circling the edges? Are there very few visible pockets of soil left? If yes, your pothos is definitely root bound.
Tip: Do this check in the morning when the plant has been watered. Dry roots are brittle and more likely to get damaged.
How to Fix a Root Bound Pothos
Now that you’ve confirmed that’s the problem you’ll want to fix it. Here are the two best ways to do so:
1. Repotting into a Larger Pot
Repotting is the best solution when the roots are very bound. Follow these steps:
Choose the Right Pot
- Choose a pot that’s 2 to 3 inches bigger in diameter than the one it’s currently in.
- Make sure that new pot has enough drainage holes so the soil doesn’t get waterlogged.
Prepare the New Pot
- Use a potting mix that drains well. For pothos, a mix of:
- 50% peat moss or coco coir
- 25% perlite
- 25% bark or compost works really well.
Remove the Plant
Take your pothos out of its old pot. If the roots have become stuck then tape the sides or cut the pot away from the plant.
Prune the Roots (Optional)
If the roots are circling a lot then trim about 10 to 20% of them as it will help with getting new growth.
Repot
Put the pothos in its new pot and fill it with fresh soil before watering to help that soil
settle.
2. Root Pruning for Same Pot Care
If you want to keep your pothos in the same pot root then try pruning it.
Remove the Plant
As with repotting, slide the plant out of the pot.
Trim the Roots
Using scissors, cut away about a third of the roots, focusing on the longest parts that are the most compacted.
Refresh the Soil
Remove all the old soil and replace it with fresh potting mix.
Replant
Put the trimmed plant back in its pot, and make sure the roots are spread out evenly.
Note: Pruning the roots can stress your pothos so if it’s already weak or unhealthy it’s probably best not to do it.
What to Do After Repotting or Root Pruning
Your pothos will need some extra care and attention.
- Water Moderately: Water thoroughly straightaway after repotting but then let the soil dry out a little before you water again.
- Avoid Fertilizer: Don’t fertilize it for 4 to 6 weeks after as your pothos needs time to recover.
- Provide Bright, Indirect Light: Put your pothos somewhere that gets consistent light as it will help it to grow well.
- Monitor for Stress: It’s normal if your pothos is looking a little droopy for a few days after. If it’s been a week and it hasn’t bounced back yet then you’ll need to look at how you’re caring for it.
Preventing Root Bound Pothos in the Future
1. Regular Repotting
Repot your pothos every 1 to 2 years so the roots don’t get too crowded. Spring is the best time for this.
2. Monitor Growth
Check it regularly for any signs of overcrowding. Catching a problem early is going to make things easier in the long run.
3. Use a Quality Potting Mix
The mix matters quite a lot. You want one that is light and has good air flow as it will let the roots grow more freely and will be less likely to get compacted.
4. Prune Vines Regularly
If you trim the larger leaves regularly it can put less demand on the roots and give your pothos a chance to grow at a more steady rate.
Tips for Pothos Care
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering or root bound | Repot it and change how often you’re watering |
| Drooping despite watering | Root congestion | Check for root bound conditions and repot |
| Slow growth | Lack of nutrients | Repot with fresh soil or use mild fertilizer |
A Personal Story: My Root-Bound Mishap
I had a pothos named “Max” (yes, naming your plants is totally normal). Max was doing great for years until one day he stopped growing and looked droopy.
When I eventually got around to checking his roots they were unbelievably packed. So much so they had formed into an actual cylinder.
So I carefully repotted him and after a month of recovery Max is now back to his old self and looking healthy again. The lesson to take from this: don’t wait too long to give your plant the room it needs!
Final Thoughts
Being root bound can seriously upset your pothos. So it doesn’t matter if you’re repotting your plant into a bigger pot or you’re just trimming the roots a little, your pothos will appreciate you helping to keep its roots healthy and not bound.
In fact they will bounce back better than ever when you give them the right care and look after the roots. So keep an eye on the roots, watch how your pothos reacts and enjoy your plant.
