rootbound?

hey, i've been vegging some plants on cfls for just under 5 weeks now, but the last two weeks or so i've seen zero growth and i think it's because their pots are too small. they're 8" pots.

is there any way i can effectively promote root growth in such a way that roots will grow in ALL of the soil, not just the lower parts? transplanting them isn't really an option for me because of space issues (and they've already been transplanted once)

i laid down some paper towels on top of the soil and have been keeping them moist w/a spray bottle, hoping it will keep the upper layer of soil moist and the roots will grow there, but i don't know if it's doing any good.

any ideas?

If there's no way to repot them, I would go ahead and put them into flower.

1. Here's a rule for you. Feet:2xGal. The container for each plant should be twice in gallons what it is in feet of height.

2. The Roots will continue to grow until all available space is taken up. Your plant hasn't completely stopped growing, it's just growing extremely slowly. Flowering will also be delayed if your plants are indeed rootbound.

3. Your roots will grow faster if you do not water. It's called "water stress" and it causes the roots to search for water, thus expanding their structure. However, it is a type of stress and should never be overdone (water is very important!)

Word. Also.... I hope vertical space isn't an issue because non-rootbound plants will grow 2-3x their height of veg throughout the flowering stage

I've seen full grows to flower in a 16oz Solo cup that yielded about half ounce in SOG. So, not sure how far to take the "rootbound" thing. Rootbound mainly occurs in plants who are spending a very long time in a small pot. Most of what is being grown here do not stay in a pot for more than a few months.