root bound adj. 1. Having a limited amount of space for root growth.
After seven or eight years day lilies become root-bound and will not bloom well unless they are divided. 2. Liking the familiar place where you live and not wanting to go away from it; having a sentimental attachment to one place.
Mr. Jones has lived in Connecticut all his life. He is too root-bound to consider moving to another state. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲