Rootbound.

Perhaps you’ve heard or read the term rootbound and wondered what it meant.

Occasionally, we encounter potted plants that have dense, tangled roots that have outgrown their container. Because the compacted roots prevent the plant from absorbing water, oxygen, and nutrients—and growing successfully—we take time to loosen the roots.

Sometimes we can loosen the roots by massaging them with our fingers. More often, we make several shallow, vertical slices through the roots with our Hori Hori knives. 

Another way to stimulate the roots is to cut off the bottom of the root ball. That process is similar to pruning in that it provides energy to the remaining plant so that it can grow and thrive.