root-bound
Outgrown its container
Root-bound describes a potted plant whose roots have grown so densely that they circle and crowd the container, leaving no room for further growth.
The condition stunts the plant and requires repotting or root pruning.
Figuratively, someone root-bound is stuck in place, unable to expand or move on: After twenty years in the same job, he felt root-bound.
Uncomfortably lacking space
- constrictedMade narrower by pressure
- restrictedLimited in scope
- overcrowdedFilled beyond capacity
- compactedPressed into less space
stunted · stressed · girdling · choked · suffocated · rootball · underdeveloped · compressed
Moving plant to larger container
- looseningReducing tightness or tension
- transplantingMoving living growth elsewhere
- potting mixSoilless blend for containers
- soil amendmentSubstance improving dirt quality
Unable to escape
- stagnantWithout movement or progress
- confinedKept within bounds
- stuckUnable to move
- constrainedForced into narrow limits
limited · outgrown · held back · boxed in · breaking free · personal growth · liberation
Autumnal color change in trees
- wiltingLosing turgor and drooping
- stunted growthIncomplete physical development
- slow growthMinimal rate of increase
- nutrient deficiencyInsufficient vital substances
water stress · toppling · soil depletion · leaf drop · dieback · chlorosis
cramped
Uncomfortably lacking space
- constrictedMade narrower by pressure
- restrictedLimited in scope
- overcrowdedFilled beyond capacity
compacted · stunted · stressed · girdling · choked · suffocated · rootball · underdeveloped · compressed · impeded
repotting
Moving plant to larger container
- looseningReducing tightness or tension
- transplantingMoving living growth elsewhere
- potting mixSoilless blend for containers
soil amendment · aeration · dividing · trowel · soaking
trapped
Unable to escape
constrained · limited · outgrown · held back · boxed in · breaking free · personal growth · liberation
yellowing leaves
Autumnal color change in trees
- wiltingLosing turgor and drooping
- stunted growthIncomplete physical development
- slow growthMinimal rate of increase
nutrient deficiency · water stress · toppling · soil depletion · leaf drop · dieback · chlorosis
root-bounduncrowded
Having few occupants
unconfined · spacious · unrestricted · repotted · transplanted
root, bound, roots, rooted, uproot, rooting, rootless, uprooting, uprooted