Leaching is a process that consists of the superficial washing of mineral salts into the deeper layers of the soil, mainly by the runoff of surface water. In this sense, leaching causes losses of nutrients from the soil, the main consequence of which is acidification.
Certain nutrients are more easily leached into the soil because, due to their chemical properties, they have greater mobility throughout the soil profile.One of the nutrients that suffers the most leaching is Potassium (K+). When present in the soil solution, the nutrient can be lost through leaching according to the amount of water, the dose of the element applied, the texture of the soil and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil.
Potassium generally does not leach through soil significantly, especially in clay and silt soils, as it tends to be adsorbed onto negatively charged soil particles. However, leaching occurs in soils with low cation exchange capacity. Each time you water because you have low cec soil, K+ will leech further down the pot each watering if you blanket feed from top. Roots will only reach about same size as plant, as above so below. Probably the pottasium nutrient you need is in the pot its just that its leeching out of reach. Eventually your rootzone will fill the big pot.
Just a possibility that crossed mind. Wish you best of luck with the wee bonnie lass. Gluck.