nurtomi

When roots fill the pot

Crowded roots can change how a pot holds water.

A spider plant with roots crowded inside the pot.
A spider plant with roots crowded inside the pot. Photo: Keith Williamson · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and converted for display.

What to look for

Roots circling densely around the root ball or emerging from drainage holes are clues. Water may run straight through while the center stays dry, although not every visible root means repotting is urgent.

What to do

Check the root ball gently and consider the plant's normal preference. If it is severely crowded, move it to a slightly larger pot with drainage and suitable fresh mix. Water according to the species after repotting.

Sources