How to Rescue a Severely Rootbound Plant: A Step-by-Step Guide

Rootbound plants can be a common issue for indoor gardeners, especially when plants are kept in the same pots for long periods. A rootbound plant has outgrown its container, causing its roots to circle around, leading to poor health and slow growth. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to identify and rescue a rootbound plant using a Syngonium as an example. This process can apply to many other houseplants as well.

Identifying a Rootbound Plant

A key sign that your plant may be rootbound is if the soil dries out much faster than usual, even with regular watering. If you notice the plant’s leaves wilting or turning yellow despite proper care, it’s likely a sign the roots have taken over the pot. Additionally, if you see roots poking out from the top or bottom of the pot, that’s a clear indication that it’s time for a new home.
In my case, my Syngonium was showing all these signs. The soil was dry even though I had watered it a week ago, and I could see roots coming out from the top. The leaves were starting to droop, and some were yellowing, indicating the plant wasn’t getting enough nutrients from the compacted soil.

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

When rescuing a rootbound plant, selecting the right pot size is important. You don’t want to go too large, as the plant can become waterlogged. Typically, a pot that is 1-2 sizes larger than the current one is ideal. In my case, I chose a pot two sizes bigger to give my Syngonium enough room to grow without overwhelming it with too much soil.
For soil, it’s essential to use a well-draining mix. I created my mix by combining regular store-bought compost with perlite, which helps with drainage. This is crucial for preventing the plant from sitting in soggy soil, which could lead to root rot.

Removing the Plant from the Pot

Start by gently removing the plant from its current pot. I carefully pulled my Syngonium out and immediately saw the tangled roots at the bottom of the plant. The rootball was compacted, but there were no roots circling the crown of the plant, which was a good sign. This is likely because I bottom-water my plants, encouraging the roots to grow downwards in search of water.
If you notice roots wrapping around the crown, untangle them gently. In some cases, circling roots can strangle the plant if left unchecked.

Untangling the Roots

Next, you’ll want to untangle the roots to encourage new growth. Be gentle but firm—plants are resilient, and breaking a few roots won’t harm them. My Syngonium’s roots were thick at the bottom, so I carefully teased them apart to prevent them from continuing to circle.
If you come across stubborn knots, take your time. Loosen the soil around the roots and untangle them bit by bit. In my case, I had to be patient, especially with a couple of clumps that were particularly tangled. Eventually, I got all the roots straightened out, which will help them spread evenly once replanted.

Preparing the New Pot

Once the roots are untangled, it’s time to prepare the new pot. Fill the pot about a third of the way with your soil mix. You want the crown of the plant to sit just above the soil line, not buried. Adjust the amount of soil at the bottom to ensure the plant sits at the right height.
After positioning the plant in the center of the pot, start filling around the roots with more soil. Be sure to tap the pot occasionally to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. It’s important to ensure the roots are fully covered and have even contact with the soil.

Watering the Plant

Once the plant is securely potted, it’s time to give it a good watering. Water the plant thoroughly until water drains out from the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the soil is evenly moist and settles around the roots. Be sure to water evenly around the plant to avoid any dry spots.
I noticed that my Syngonium took quite a bit of water, which is normal after repotting. It’s essential to allow the excess water to drain completely. Let the plant rest in a saucer to catch any runoff, but don’t let it sit in water for too long, as this could lead to waterlogged roots.

Trimming Yellowing Leaves

After repotting, inspect your plant for any yellowing or damaged leaves. These leaves won’t recover, so it’s best to trim them off to encourage new growth. My Syngonium had a few yellow leaves, which I removed. I expect the remaining leaves to perk up within a week or so, as the plant now has access to fresh nutrients in the new soil.
If your plant has droopy leaves that aren’t yellow, give it some time. After watering and adjusting to its new pot, the leaves should become vibrant and upright again.

Post-Repotting Care

Repotting is best done just before the growing season begins, usually in early spring. This allows the plant to establish new roots and take advantage of the upcoming warmer months. My Syngonium should start producing new growth now that it has more space and access to fresh soil.
Keep an eye on the plant for the next few weeks to ensure it’s adjusting well. Continue with regular watering, but be mindful not to overwater, especially now that the plant is in a larger pot. With time, you should notice new leaves forming, indicating that the plant is thriving.

Conclusion

Rescuing a rootbound plant can be a rewarding process. By carefully untangling the roots and providing fresh soil in a larger pot, you can give your plant a new lease on life. In my experience, taking the time to untangle the roots and choose the right potting mix made all the difference in my Syngonium’s recovery.
If you’ve experienced a similar issue with your plants or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment! I hope this guide has been helpful in showing you how to save a rootbound plant. For more detailed steps, check out this helpful video: How To RESCUE A Severely Rootbound Plant.