potbound

[ pot-bound ]

/ ˈpɒtˌbaʊnd /

(of a plant) having the roots so densely grown as to fill the container and require repotting.

Origin of potbound

First recorded in 1840–50; pot¹ + -bound¹

If they afterwards get at all pot-bound, weak manure should be applied.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 5 |Various
He dumped out the last dregs like mould from a pot-bound flower-pot.

A Diversity of Creatures |Rudyard Kipling
That your children shall be scoffed at by the alien as useless outside their own pot-bound provinces.

From Sea to Sea |Rudyard Kipling
When you have to do this you usually find that the plant has been pot-bound, and is a mass of fibrous roots.

The Children's Book of Gardening |Mrs. Alfred Sidgwick

One year inspires you—four may get you pot-bound with pedant prejudice.

Little Journeys To The Homes Of Great Teachers |Elbert Hubbard

pot-bound

(of a pot plant) having grown to fill all the available root space and therefore lacking room for continued growth