Root-bound in cups

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Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Root-bound in cups

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John42

Registered:1357442611
Posts: 15

Posted 1362405741	Reply with quote #1

Hello, I am not sure what to do about a cutting's roots that have started to circle the bottom of it's 16 oz. cup. In the past, I always believed that roots should be spread out when moved to a larger pot or put into the ground, even if it meant cutting some of them. I've been reading the posts on removing the plant from a cup without damaging the roots, but (assuming I don't tear them up in the de-cupping process), do I leave them coiled up, or try to spread them out a bit? This will be a first for me and there may be no problem at all, but right now, I am starting to worry. TIA, John __________________ My first name is John

JackHNVA

Registered:1352380899
Posts: 519

Posted 1362406201	Reply with quote #2

Hold the cup under a running facet with warm water. I run a thin blade around the inside of the cup, then tap and very gently tug. The roots tend to be very easily broken. Given the soil mixture is very light and loose, they tend to spread out on their own pretty quickly without breaking up the root ball. __________________ Zone 7 Celeste, White Marseilles, Beer's Black, Green Greek, White Italy one unknown, Chicago hardy, White Naples, Portuguese Black, Italian Honey.Black Bethleham, Sal's C, Several unknowns. Looking for dark sweet types from Azores and southern Spain (figs, not women), 2014 goal is to acquire Kathleen Black

pitangadiego

Moderator
Registered:1188871011
Posts: 5,447

Posted 1362410650	Reply with quote #3

If you shake out the rooting mix, and squeeze the cup, and let it "snap" back into shape, maybe 2-3 times, it will generally free the roots. If that is insufficient, you can tease the remaining roots with a long toothpick, or similar object. The circling roots are not a problem. Just be happy you have roots. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

oldvt

Registered:1323471395
Posts: 214

Posted 1362413916	Reply with quote #4

I always let my cuttings get root bound, then I set them in a gal and am careful not to disturb the roots. when I do this I do not have any losses when I pot up and the figs grow just fine.Rex. __________________ Looking to trade an IT 258 for basses Red Leb or a O Rourke for a Hunt.

John42

Registered:1357442611
Posts: 15

Posted 1362443639	Reply with quote #5

Thanks to all for the information. I am very grateful. John __________________ My first name is John

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