Do Pothos Like To Be Root-Bound: Everything You Need To Know 

Growing pothos will be a great addition to your magical garden but what if the pothos become root-bound? Are you worried about the potting soil coming out from the drainage holes? Hey Gardeners! I’m Anna Scott, a Gardener by heart and Profession, started my Journey 15 years ago and Now I am teaching other gardeners as well to achieve their goals.

I am here to clear up your confusion regarding the Pothos root bound. Root-bound pothos indicate that the plant is not suffering well in its place as it’s not receiving adequate water and nutrients to grow well. It might happen due to numerous reasons. Some of the signs are more visible roots, cracks on the pot, yellow-colored leaves, strangled roots, etc. 

Today, I will help you to know everything about the root-bound pothos in detail. Stay connected with the guide to know do pothos like to be root-bound.

What is Root-Bound Pothos?

When the pothos are not growing freely because of some barriers, then it is called root-bound pothos. It is caused by various problems and it is used for indoor pothos. When the roots of the indoor pothos plants are not comfortable in a pot, then it causes root bound in it. 

If the plant is in its root-bound state for long, then it is difficult for the plant to survive. But if the symptoms are clear at the early stage, then it can be prevented. 

In simple words, the root-bound takes place in an indoor plant when its roots are overgrown and are coming out from the drainage holes. It shows that the plant is in a small pot.

Though the plant is growing at a faster pace is a good sign but it can be a problem as well. So, follow the guide to know its preventive measures. 

Do Pothos Like To Be Root-Bound?

No, the pothos do not like to be root-bound at all. Pothos like to grow in spacious places where they can spread their roots fully. But when it happens otherwise, the plant suffers from root bound. It puts stress on the pothos plant. The plant will show the symptoms as they are unhappy such as leggy growth of the plant, yellow-colored stems, etc. 

The root-bound pothos will turn its roots tangled and matted. It will not let the plant receive water and adequate nutrients for its growth which leads to numerous issues. One of the main issues related to the root-bound pothos is the slow growth of the plant. Not only this, it will lead to more chaotic problems for the plant. 

Cactus, and succulents, on the other hand, like to be root-bound. Moreover, some plants like to be root-bound to grow well. It is because they belong to arid regions and will not grow well in the water or soil. 

One of the best ways to fix the root-bound pothos is to prevent the pothos at first when you observe the symptom. No worries! Proper care and attention towards the plant will help in preventing the root-bound pothos. 

Signs of Root-Bound Pothos 

Pothos will become root-bound, so it is important to know about its signs early. Root-bound pothos are not good for your garden area, so prevent the pothos. Below are the signs: 

More Visible Roots

• One of the signs of root-bound pothos is the visible roots in the plant.
• When there are visible roots from the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a sign of root-bound pothos. 
• It will kill your plant with time if you allow the roots to grow in this way. 
• Keep checking the cracks in the pot which is another sign of the root-bound pothos. 

Potting soil from drainage holes

• Another sign depicts that the potting soil is coming out from the drainage holes. 
• When there is a lack of space inside, then the pressure is on the potting mix. 
• In this case, the potting mix pushed outside the drainage holes which is not good for the plant. 

Note: However, this sign is not a common one, but various farmers have observed this sign in the past time. 

Cracks on pot

• When there are cracks in pots, it shows that the plant is not feeling comfortable in the pot. 
• The plant is not able to breathe in the container for a moment now. 
• The pressure on the roots will result in the cracks in the pot. 
• It will be seen in the clay pots and not in the plastic pots. Clay pots will absorb the water properly. 

Leaf discoloration and wilting

• Leaf discoloration is another sign of the root-bound pothos, it will begin to turn into yellow or brown color. 
• It especially shows the moisture issues in the plant that either come from the overwatering or underwatering. 
• Its foliage will turn discolor like the leaves which are close to the plant’s base. 
• Last but not least, leaves will begin to wilt as well. 

Extremely Dry Soil

• Last but not least, dry soil is another sign of root-bound pothos. 
• As the roots absorb the water faster, the soil dries out for a long time. 
• It will not let the plant attain moisture. This condition leads to root-bound pothos. 
• So, keep checking the roots and it is the right time to a larger pot with a new soil mix. 

What to do with Root-Bound Pothos?

As you are aware of the signs of the root-bound pothos. So, What’s now? If you fall in these circumstances, then you have to follow the below points. Two methods can help in preventing the root-bound pothos. They are as follows: 

• Repotting your pothos
• Dividing your pothos

Let’s know about these procedures in detail: 

Repotting a pothos plant

The best solution to prevent the root-bound pothos in your garden is to move them to a new and large pot. It will provide it more space to expand. In this way, the plant will be able to develop its roots well. 

Providing a larger pot helps give good space to the plants and provides nutrients. What should be the height of the power pot to choose? 

Guys, keep in mind to choose a larger container of about 2 to 3 inches bigger in diameter than the current pot. It will help in preventing the root rot issues in the plant. Also, the container should have a good amount of drainage holes. 

Now, as you have purchased the pot and prepared it for transplanting. Now is the right time to move the photos to it. Below are the steps to repotting the pothos: 

• Take out the plant from the pot and Loosen the soil so that the plant is removed from the container easily
• Remove the excess soil from the roots. If the plant faces a problem in coming out, then you can make use of a sterilized knife and turn it around the edges to take out the plant.
• You have to use a new potting mix for the new container.
• Prune all the damaged and dead roots from your plant.
• Now is the right time to fill the container with the potting mix of about one-third of the pot.
• Then you can plant the photos in the container easily by filling the edges with the potting mix.
• Last, but not least, provide some space of about 1 to 2 inches for watering. 

Dividing the pothos plant

If you like to keep the Pothos in the same container or if you do not have plenty of place for a new container, then the other best method to follow is to divide the Pothos plant.

Below are the steps that you have to follow to divide the Pothos :

• Firstly, we have to water them thoroughly so that the soil loosens.
• After that, take the plant out of the pot.
• Make use of a sterilized knife or clippers to divide its roots and stems.
• Divide the roots and prepare a new container to plant them. 
• You have to fill the new container with a good amount of potting mix in about one-third of the pot.
• Now, dip the plant in the rooting hormone for better results.
• After this, you can replant the variety in a new pot.
• You have to fill the edges of the container with the soil until it fills it.
• For providing water keep some space of about 1 to 2 inches. 
• After you replant the pothos, water the plant well, so that it reduces its stress. 

Summing up the context 

In this guide, you come to know that Root-bound pothos indicate that the plant is not suffering well in its place as it’s not receiving adequate water and nutrients to grow well. It might happen due to numerous reasons.

Some of the signs are more visible roots, cracks on the pot, yellow-colored leaves, strangled roots, etc. Read the whole guide for the people’s understanding of the preventive measures of root-bound pothos. I will come back with another guide for you all soon. 

Thanks for reading! Happy Gardening! 

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