Pot-bound
A plant whose roots are densely packed into the container, often becoming woody and constricted. Pot-bound roots may wind themselves round and round the inside of the pot, making an impenetrable wall. On re-potting, pot-bound roots are unlikely to spread out into the new soil or compost unless first being physically loosened by the gardener. It is best to avoid pot-bound conditions by timely potting-on and planting out. Affected plants are likely to be starved, dry, and less vigorous once re-planted.