From my perspective, my roots are my entire world. They are how I drink, eat, and anchor myself. When my pot becomes a prison, my entire being suffers. You might notice my distress through several clear signs. First, my growth will slow dramatically or stop altogether. I want to reach for the sun, but I simply don't have the resources or space to support new stems and leaves. My older leaves may begin to yellow and wither, not from lack of water, but because my congested roots cannot efficiently take up the nutrients and moisture they need, even if you provide it. You might see me wilting surprisingly quickly after watering because there's more root mass than soil to hold water. Perhaps the most obvious sign is when you see my roots circling the inside of the pot or even growing out of the drainage holes in a desperate search for new territory. I am literally crying out for help.
Inside the pot, it's a constant state of crisis. My root system, which should be exploring freely, has run out of room. We become a tangled, dense mat, circling endlessly around the confines of the container. This congestion creates severe problems. The soil, which acts as my pantry and reservoir, is eventually displaced and depleted by the overwhelming mass of roots. This means there is little left for me to absorb. Furthermore, the tight knot of roots makes it difficult for water to penetrate evenly. It might run down the inside of the pot and straight out the drainage hole, never actually reaching my core. I am simultaneously suffocating and starving in my own home.
To save me, you must give me a new home. Please choose a new pot that is only 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter. Anything larger will hold too much excess soil that stays wet and can cause my roots to rot. Ensure it has excellent drainage holes. Gently remove me from my current prison. You may need to tap the pot's sides or slide a trowel around the edge. Do not pull me by my stems! Once I'm out, you must carefully loosen my root ball. With your fingers, gently tease apart the outer roots that are circling and matted. This feels like a tremendous relief, as it allows my roots to remember how to grow outward into new soil instead of in circles. It is okay if a few roots break; I am resilient.
Place a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix in the bottom of the new pot. Position me in the center so that the top of my root ball sits about an inch below the pot's rim. Fill in around the sides with more fresh soil, gently firming it to eliminate large air pockets. Water me thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage hole. This settles the soil around my roots and gives me the deep drink I have been craving. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light for a few days to recover from the shock. I will be grateful for this new space, and with this fresh start, I will soon reward you with a burst of vigorous, fragrant new growth.
