Some of the most popular houseplants , as well as some less common I , live their best life when allowed to raise passably rootbound between repottings .
Keeping these houseplants potbound can help them bloom , reduce their peril of transplant shock , or keep unwanted increment in chit . And you may be surprised at which houseplants match this description !
In this article we ’ll take a look at 17 houseplants that thrive in rootbound conditions in snug containers .
Alocasia.
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Perhaps you already have one of these in your place and are inquire whether you’re able to detain your repotting chore . perchance you started repotting and noticed that the specimen is already rootbound and are wondering if you ’ve suffer it by let it get to this state !
Or maybe you are looking to welcome a raw leafy brother to your family and want to cull one that wo n’t require frequent repotting .
Alocasia.
I ’ll provide you with a description of each houseplant in case any of these are novel to you , each plant ’s light and weewee requirement , and what to look for as a preindication that it ’s finally time to repot .
I know that when I am considering a new houseplant , the first thing I require to know is whether it ’s safe for my cats – so I ’ll let you know which of these are nontoxic in event you have nibbling pets or young children who are prone to sampling your indoor flora .
And in case you do n’t already have one of these mantrap living in your family , I ’ll also provide tip on where to find them .
quick to discover 17 houseplants that are happy to be rootbound ?
Here ’s a stoolie peek :
17 Happy Rootbound Houseplants
However , before we go any further I ’d care to elucidate the whole premise of this article .
Rootbound ( or potbound ) plants are those whose roots have grown so large that they have little elbow room leave to boom inside their existing containers .
When I say that these 17 houseplants are “ felicitous ” to experience rootbound in tight quarter , I really have in mind that they aremore likelyto perform the elbow room we require them to , living in contrived conditions indoors , subject to the uncertainties and heavy - laterality of human - provide charge .
In their natural home ground , these guysprobablywouldn’t choose to be potbound , with their ascendant tangled up in a trivial ball !
But as houseplants , they do n’t get to choose when they ’re repotted – we have to make that call .
And if hold back a specimen rootbound makes the difference between alivehouseplant and one that gets toss out ontothe compost mountain , I ’m pretty trusted we can assume the live one is happier .
After that existential prima donna into the felicity of houseplants , how about muse some of the reasons why they might stand or choose snug container which keep them rootbound ?
The first couple of reasons have to do with keep houseplant safe from indoor gardener overwatering or overhandling them .
Some are slow growing , others simply have small , fine roots that do n’t require much room , and therefore , do n’t need to be repotted often .
Many of these houseplants get asepiphytes , or grow in rocky crevices in their aboriginal habitat , so they are used to cramped , rootbound - alike conditions . Frequent repotting is often unnecessary for these .
And still othersreallydon’t like to be transplanted . Repotting can be fairly traumatic for some of these specie , so it ’s best to repot them as infrequently as possible . In this case , allowing them to become rootbound is the lesser of two evils .
And then there are the reasons for keeping houseplants rootbound that have more to do with how we want our works to act .
Some houseplant are more probable to bring on flowers , branch , or lavish growth when acquire in rootbound conditions rather than being repot often .
last , some larger - sized houseplant will quickly outgrow our home if repotted frequently , so keeping them rootbound can help keep their growth in stop .
Having said all this , sometimes a rootbound houseplant that does n’t need a large potdoesneed to have itsgrowing mediumrefreshed sporadically , so be trusted to read more about the houseplants you ’re concerned in and ascertain their particular needs .
And though these houseplant prefer to be repotted infrequently , there are always times when you might need to make an exception . If your specimen is not yet rootbound but is in the wrong type of grow mass medium – you ’ll take to repot it before you have a houseplant hand brake .
Another good grounds for pressing repotting is if the container it ’s growing in is much too large for the specimen .
Of naturally , even for mintage that suffer being rootbound , there will do a sentence when you ’ll finally ask to repot . I ’ll cater some repotting tips for you at the end of the article .
But first you ’ll need to memorize what to look for as signs that youdoindeed need to repot , so lease ’s learn more about these 17 houseplants that do n’t mind being rootbound :
1. Alocasia
Our first selection is Alocasia , which does n’t necessitate frequent repotting .
Known for their supersized heart- or arrowhead - shaped leaves and high contrast coloration , alocasias ( Alocasiaspp . ) are dramatic look houseplants that will require your visual care .
When it come to care , alocasias need brilliant , collateral light and restrained watering .
These striking houseplants do n’t take care being slightly rootbound and can keep develop in the same container until roots start emerging from drain jam .
Once you witness those emerging root , or the potting metier is dry out out too tight , it ’s time to repot .
‘ Polly ’ is a intercrossed cultivar that has sheeny , dark green leave with purple undersides and ruffled edges , and contrasting ashen to light green leaf veins . It reach two feet tall and wide-eyed at maturity .
quick to introduce one of these into your home plate ?
Alocasia ‘ Polly ’
You ’ll find liveAlocasia‘Polly ’ specimen in decorative potsavailable for leverage from Fast Growing Trees .
larn more about mature and deal for alocasias .
2. Aloe Vera
Next on our listing is aloe vera , a succulent which thrives in rootbound condition and should n’t be repot often .
With long , tapering , fleshy leaves , Aloe verais a staple in the DIY medicine breast because of the skin - soothing gel that is contained within its leaf .
Aloe vera want six hours of direct sunlight per day to flourish , and should be watered when the top two to three inches of grow medium are wry .
When it comes torepotting aloe vera , it will only take to be transplanted every few eld .
you’re able to let it go passably potbound , but it may be metre to repot when roots are poke through the drainage holes , or the specimen is top heavy and prone to fall over .
Have you been hold out without one of these succulents ?
Aloe Vera Plant in Decorative Pot
you may buy live , seven - in tall aloe vera plants in four - inch ornamental grass from Costa Farmsvia Walmart .
take more about growing and worry for aloe vera .
3. Amaryllis
Amaryllis does n’t necessitate to be repot frequently , it prefer rootbound conditions .
You may think of the flower amaryllis ( Hippeastrumspp . ) as something to be chuck out after it ’s done bloom , but it can certainly be save as a houseplant for the long term . They can in reality live for decades !
With splashy rosiness held on long , thick staunch that emerge from large medulla , amaryllis plants are right up there withpoinsettiasandChristmas cactias “ must have ” live flora for the wintertime holidays .
Amaryllis expand with six hours of direct sun per day and should be watered when the top few inches of the growing medium are dry .
Take caution to expend ahouseplant watering canwith a minute spout to water only the growing sensitive , not the bulb .
Amaryllis bulb should be grown snugly in their pots , and should only be repot when the bulb becomes too large . Read our article on repotting amaryllis for more guidance .
‘ Spartacus ’ is atype of amarylliswith eye - catching , white and ruby-red blooms .
Looking for one of these to offer as a holiday giving ? You ’ll find them in kit , such as this one from the Daylily Nursery Store .
Kit With Live Amaryllis ‘ Spartacus ’
This amaryllis kit get in a gunny gift bag and includes a ‘ Spartacus ’ amaryllis bulb , a ornamental white ceramic pot , complete instructions , and originate medium .
You ’ll find it at the Daylily Nursery Storevia Amazon .
witness more hint for raise amaryllis in our guide .
4. Chinese Money Plant
This next selection , Formosan money plant , should n’t be repot often . or else , it should be allowed to grow in the same container until passably rootbound .
In the houseplant world , Chinese money plant(Pilea peperomiodes ) is right away recognisable – it has long , slender , arching radical , each of which hold a single , round fleeceable leaf , held like baubles on the plant .
These cunning green pileas are nontoxic , so they make a good convulsion for household with kids and pets .
Good care for Chinese money plants include offering bright , indirect sunshine , and watering when the dirt is ironic half way down the develop medium .
relate to watermelon vine pilea akaaluminum plants , Chinese money plants do n’t like to be repotted , so it ’s better to allow them to become somewhat rootbound before transferring to young container – just about every two class .
Whether you ’re draw to these pileas for their chirpy appearance or their Feng Shui symbolism of wealth , you may bestow home one of your own !
Chinese Money Plant
You ’ll find a live Formosan money plant in a four - column inch greenhouse pot useable for purchase from the California Tropicals Storevia Amazon .
Find lead on grow Chinese money plants here .
5. Christmas Cactus
This next selection , the well - have intercourse Christmas cactus , does n’t ask frequent repottings and grows well when rootbound .
know for their bright blooms that appear during the dark months of the yearChristmas and other holiday cacti(Schlumbergeraspp . ) make excellent , gentle - care houseplant .
These pet- and kid - safe succulents have flattened , segment stems thatwill bear heyday if conditions are right !
furnish Christmas cactus with bright , indirect light , and water when the top inch of the mature spiritualist is wry .
As epiphytes , Christmas cacti do n’t need a lot of growing medium for their root system and prefer to be more or less potbound . On average , holiday cacti should be repot approximately every three years .
Want to tally one of these to your home to liven up your holiday decor ?
Holiday Cactus
you’re able to purchase live , 10 - inch magniloquent vacation cacti in ornamental Christmas pot covers from the Costa Farms Storevia Amazon .
Learn more about growing and caring for Christmas cactus .
6. Epiphyllum
Our next selection , epiphyllum , grows advantageously when rootbound and only repotted infrequently .
Jungle cacti like their relative the Christmas cactus , Epiphyllumhouseplants produce large , showy prime , and have long , flattened , succulent stems .
Also know as orchid cacti , epiphyllums are secure for house with pets and immature children .
Indoors , epiphyllums should be grown primarily in bright , indirect spark , though a twosome of hours of direct sun in the dawn will please these succulent too , as long as you habituate them to direct vulnerability bit by bit .
Water when the top third of the growing mass medium is dry .
As epiphytes , epiphyllums only postulate small pots compare to the massive sum of foliage they produce , and they do n’t listen being rootbound .
contrive on repot every five to seven year or when the specimen becomes unsound in its tidy sum .
E. hookerisubsp.guatemalense , also known as “ curly Sue ” or “ curly locks ” is an epiphyllum with distortion and curling radical .
I ’m an avowed epiphyllum fanatic and this is one of my personal favourite .
Curly Sue Epiphyllum Orchid Cactus
Feel the same ? You ’ll find curly Sue epiphyllums in four - inch grower ’s mint , available for purchase from the California Tropicals Storevia Amazon .
memorize more about growing and care for epiphyllums .
7. Jade Plant
Like many succulent , this next houseplant on our inclination also prefers to be rootbound rather than undergoing frequent repottings . I ’m talking about jade plant life .
Jade plant ( Crassula ovata ) is a classic among succulent houseplants .
With egg - shaped , bright green leaves , an vertical growth habit , and stems that turn woody , matured specimen often resemble miniature tree .
Jade plant maturate best in lineal sun for part of the day , complement by smart , collateral light , and the land should be allowed to dry out out almost whole between waterings .
Do n’t repot your trollop plant life until it is crack its container or until its foliage is so heavy that it ’s topple over – approximately every four to five years .
Do your other succulents ask a little jadestone tree diagram to watch over them ?
Jade Plant
you’re able to buy springy plug plants in four - column inch raiser ’s toilet from Hirt ’s Garden Storevia Amazon .
Find more about grow hussy plants indoors here .
8. Kalanchoe
Our next survival of the fittest , kalanchoe , also privilege rootbound circumstance and should n’t be repotted often .
There are many unlike types of kalanchoes ( Kalanchoespp . ) – but one matter these succulents have in uncouth is that they do n’t mind being snug in their containers .
Types of kalanchoe includepanda plant ( K. tomentosa)andmother of millions ( K. delagoensis ) .
But perhaps one of the most well - roll in the hay isK. blossfeldiana , commonly experience asflorist ’s kalanchoe or flame Katy , a houseplant pop for its brightly colored flower and fleshy green leafage .
spring up kalanchoes in undimmed , indirect light , and piddle when the soil is dry three to four inches down .
As mark , these succulent do n’t mind being rootbound , but count for roots emerging from drainage hole as a sign that it ’s prison term to repot .
‘ Calandiva Red ’ is a kalanchoe cultivar that has dark fleeceable foliage and red , double blooms .
These make slap-up talent for that particular someone – and maybe that particular someone is yourself !
‘ Calandiva Red ’ Kalanchoe
Whether it ’s a endowment to give or a talent to get , you ’ll find live specimens of ‘ Calandiva Red ’ kalanchoe in four - and - a - half - in nursery pots , usable for leverage from the Succulents Box Storevia Amazon .
Read our guide to kalanchoe maintenance for more tips .
9. Lipstick Vine
This next selection , lipstick vine , performs beautifully when allow to become rootbound rather than repot it oft .
Nontoxic and related toAfrican violets , lipstick vines ( Aeschynanthusspp . ) are epiphytes that have elliptical , green or variegate leafage , and scarlet flowers that calculate like little tube of lipstick .
lip rouge vines grow best in bright , indirect light . grant the top few inches of soil to dry between lacrimation .
These houseplants do n’t require frequent repotting , normally every two to three years is sufficient . In fact , they in reality produce more flower when somewhat potbound .
Black pagoda plant ( A. longicaulis)is a type of lip rouge vine with gorgeously patterned foliage and orangish - red flower .
Do you have just the perfect spot for a hanging handbasket with lipstick vine trailing down ?
Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant
You ’ll find bouncy black pagoda lipstick vines in six - column inch nursery sess usable for purchase from the Plant Farmvia Walmart .
need to learn more about growing this plant?Read our scout to caring for lipstick vine here .
10. Hoya
speak of flowers , keep this next selection rootbound rather than repot it for a more floriferous hoya .
When pick a houseplant you often have to choose between either eye - arrest foliage or showstopping blooms – but hoya ( Hoyaspp . ) give you both .
Safe for family with dearie and small youngster , there are many , many different types of hoyas , and not all have the same light and H2O preferences .
But a estimable formula of thumb when you do n’t experience what sort you have is to offer smart , collateral twinkle and to let the growing spiritualist dry out altogether between waterings .
ManyHoyaspecies are epiphytes so they have small root systems , and they raise blooming more generously when rootbound . These are often grown in smallish pots compared to the enceinte masses of foliage they produce , and only need to be repotted infrequently .
H. latifolia‘Variegata ’ ( formerly do it asH. macrophylla‘Variegata ’ ) is a beautiful hoya with magnanimous , thick , spear - shaped leave-taking , prominent vein , and proscribed diversification – that ’s to say diversification on the security deposit of its leave-taking .
call for one of these to start off your hoya ingathering ?
Hoya Latifolia ‘ Variegata ’
you could purchase liveH. latifolia‘Variegata ’ specimen in four - in nursery pots from the Green Escapevia Amazon .
Learn more about growing and caring for hoya .
11. Norfolk Island Pine
Our next survival of the fittest , Norfolk Island pine , can be allow to arise in rootbound conditions rather than repot it to keep it from outgrowing our homes .
There are n’t many conifer tree that can grow happily indoors as houseplants , but Norfolk Island pine tree ( Araucaria heterophylla ) take to the indoor environment like superstars .
With gullible needles and softly swag branches , these pyramid - shaped tree can service as stand - in Christmas trees , or make a imposing front in a with child blank .
These nontoxic tree will thrive with a few hours of direct sunshine , supplemented with smart , indirect brightness . water system when the top in of the growing medium is ironic .
repot your Norfolk Island pinemay be a chore you should put off – by repotting less often , it ’s possible to keep this tree – which outside , can grow to 200 feet marvelous ! – at a manageable size .
Theseconifersmake gorgeous living Christmas trees that you’re able to decorate – with lightweight baubles only , please ! – year after year .
Ready to bring one of these home for some holiday cheer ?
Norfolk Island Pine Tree
Live Norfolk Island pine Tree in grower ’s pots are useable for leverage in an salmagundi of sizesfrom Fast Growing Trees .
Read our pathfinder to growing and care for Norfolk Island pines .
12. Peperomia
Our next selection , Peperomia , is a genus with many indoor - well-disposed coinage that produce well when rootbound , and do n’t need frequent repotting .
Peperomia houseplants come in many bod and sizes , but most of them are known for their attractive , fleshy foliage .
Peperomias flourish in bright , collateral visible radiation and want their growing sensitive to dry out slightly between waterings – the top column inch of soil should be allow to dry .
With small , fine roots , these nontoxic houseplants do n’t require frequent repotting and it ’s fine to let them get a picayune rootbound .
Once the potting medium starts to dry out out too often , or you check the tooth root and they are filling up the sess , that ’s a good sign that it ’s sentence to repot .
Citrullus vulgaris peperomia ( P. genus Argyreia ) is aspecies of peperomiawhose parting are pattern with stripes reminiscent of those on a watermelon vine rind .
Do you have a home office or tabletop in need of some peperomia joy ?
Watermelon Peperomia
Purchase live watermelon peperomias in four - inch nursery pots from the California Tropicals Storevia Walmart .
read more about growing peperomia in our guide .
13. Rex Begonia
The next houseplant on our leaning , rex begonia , should be allowed to become rootbound to forestall transplant shock from repotting .
With bright distort foliation , hypnotizing patterns , beguiling leaf shapes , and somewhat fussy care requirements , rex begonias ( Begoniaxrex - cultorum ) are often thought of as prima donna in the houseplant domain .
These houseplants need very shiny , collateral lighting and systematically moist grunge , companion by excellent drainage .
Rex begonias do n’t manage for being repotted , so they should be allowed to grow in the same container until their roots fill their flowerpot completely .
you may pull a plant out of its container to hold for this – if any slack soil remains in the pot when you rise out the plant , it ’s not time to repot yet .
Harmony ’s ‘ Love Potion ’ is a cultivar that has green and majestic leaves with sputtering of white dots .
Ready to bring one of these fascinating rex begonias home ?
Harmony ’s ‘ Love Potion ’ Rex Begonia
You ’ll find live Harmony ’s ‘ Love Potion ’ king begonia in six - inch grower ’s pots , available for leverage from Florida House Plantsvia Walmart .
Learn more about growing and care for rex begonia .
14. Snake Plant
Our next pick , snake industrial plant , benefits from moderately negligent upkeep , which includes allow it to become rootbound rather than repotting frequently .
If you need a live houseplant that will put up with being treated as part of the decor , Hydra industrial plant ( Dracaenaspp . ) makes a not bad option .
With their long , leathery leaf , serpent flora can get by withlow lightand very little weewee .
However , growth will be unspoilt if they are cater with bright , indirect Inner Light . The growing medium should be allowed to dry out almost all between lacrimation .
ophidian industrial plant make fantabulous starter houseplants , and when it comes to repotting , they will happily keep growing in the same container until the overgrown root cause it to crack .
You will need to refresh the produce metier every five eld if you do n’t repot sooner than that .
What ’s better than one snake in the grass plant ? A grouping of more than one !
Snake Plants
buy a four - battalion of eight - in magniloquent , live snake plants in 4 - column inch greenhouse pots uncommitted from Costa Farmsvia Amazon .
understand our pathfinder to growing snake plant for more summit !
15. Spider Plant
This next excerpt , wanderer plant , is a resilient , adaptable option that remain well-chosen and healthy when rootbound and infrequently repot .
wanderer plants ( Chlorophytum comosum ) are perhaps one of the most widely kept houseplant and are easy to discern – they look like a pot of pallid putting surface or unripened and white Mary Jane .
matured specimen often have spiderettes extending from prospicient slight stems , and they may be the quintessential hang basket houseplant .
There ’s a reason for their popularity – these nontoxic houseplants are supremely easy to care for .
wanderer flora can be raise in vivid , indirect ormedium lightand should be reserve to dry out somewhat between watering . They are fairly adaptable to different watering routines , as long as you do n’t overwater .
Growing slurred white roots that step by step fill up their pots , there ’s no pauperization to repot spider plant until they are bristle out of their container or until they start dry out too oft .
In fact , being rootbound will encourage spider plant toproduce spiderettes .
‘ Ocean ’ is a cultivated variety of spider industrial plant that is more succinct than the species industrial plant , with leaf pass on eight to 12 column inch long at maturity .
Do n’t leave this trustworthy understudy of the houseplant world off your wish lean – there ’s a intellect they ’re so popular !
‘ Ocean ’ Spider Plant
you’re able to find hold out ‘ Ocean ’ wanderer plant life in six - in cultivator ’s pots , available for leverage from the California Tropicals Storevia Amazon .
Get tips for growing wanderer plants here .
16. Tree Philodendron
This next option on our list , tree philodendron , is well keep somewhat rootbound to keep it from getting too fully grown .
With large , green , lobed folio , tree diagram philodendron ( Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum)is a giant of the jungle that will provide a tropical vibe when you convey one into your home .
Tree philodendrons expand in low twinkle to bright , indirect light , and have moderate water motivation .
These houseplants flourish with potbound roots , but you ’ll call for to brush up the potting soil sporadically and the roots to keep it in check .
This scheme can prevent the houseplant from outgrow your home!Learn more about how to repot tree philodendrons in our guide .
Is tree philodendron the missing constituent you need to dispatch your indoor hobo camp ?
Tree Philodendron
you could purchase three foot tall and one and a half foot wide , bouncy tree philodendrons in fiber concrete decorative potsfrom Terrain .
Learn more about how to grow Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree philodendrons here .
17. Weeping Fig
Our final excerption , weeping Ficus carica , is a sensitive choice that would rather be rootbound than repot .
Often appear with braid automobile trunk or variegated leafage , weeping fig(Ficus benjamina)is another classic houseplant .
Thriving with brilliant , indirect sunshine and moderate lachrymation , weep figs do n’t like changes – and repotting definitely counts as a change !
Weeping figs can be allowed to become rootbound , these should n’t be repotted until there are roots coming out of their drainage holes , or circling the surface of the grunge .
With their lofty heights and lush leafage , these Tree help lighten up up recession and soften edges in our homes . Sound like the pure decorating fix ?
Live Braided Weeping Fig Tree
Purchase a two- to three - invertebrate foot or a three- to four - infantry , live braided weeping fig Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , with your pick of potfrom Fast Growing Trees .
Do n’t cry!There ’s service for growing and caring for weeping figs right here .
Well-Homed, Happy Houseplants
Once you make up one’s mind that your houseplant finally needs to be repot because it is fartoorootbound – its roots are emerge from the control surface of the soil or the drain muddle , there ’s no grunge allow for in the pot , or it ’s drying out much too quickly between waterings – here are a few tips to follow :
urine the rootbound specimen first , pot up only one sizing , and while transplantation , be sure to untangle the outer layer of roots .
softly tease them away from the root orchis – you’re able to do this by fray the laurel wreath of your hand against the ball of root . If they are too tightly Byzantine and you ca n’t loosen them with your hand , you may rub the tine of a branching along the root ball or else .
Untangling its mass of ancestor will help them spread into their new potting medium more easy , otherwise they may just remain in a tangled egg and wo n’t get the benefit of new grease and more room .
Want tokeep expanding your houseplant knowledge ? We have more guides for you powerful here :
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Product photograph via the California Tropicals Store , the Costa Farms Store , the Daylily Nursery Store , Fast Growing Trees , Florida House Plants , the Green Escape , Hirt ’s Garden Store , the Plant Farm , the Succulents Box Store , Terrain , and Walmart . Uncredited pic : Shutterstock .
About
Kristina Hicks - Hamblin
