ˈpot-bound, a.
[f. pot n.1 1 d + bound ppl. a.]
Said of a plant growing in a flower-pot when its roots fill the pot and have no more room to expand. Also fig.
| 1850 Florist Nov. 262 To preserve plants in luxuriant health, they should not be allowed to become pot-bound. 1895 S. R. Hole Tour Amer. 100 As their roots increase and before they become ‘pot-bound’ they must have more room. a 1908 Mod. There is no doubt we are becoming pot-bound. 1913 Mrs. G. De H. Vaizey College Girl v. 66 The red⁓brown earth..was too tempting to be resisted when she thought of her poor pot-bound plants at home. 1919 [see aerotropism (aero-)]. 1925 W. Deeping Sorrell & Son vi. 56 You can get many a good hint from a man who dislikes you if you are not too pot-bound to soak it up. 1966 Rochford & Gorer Rockford Bk. Flowering Pot Plants i. 17 More frequent waterings will be required when the plant is pot-bound. |