On 9/5/2010 12:28, Hannon wrote:
> Steve,
>
> Yes, some rainforest plants are rootbound in the wild if they are
> lodged in small crevices or holes in limestone, e.g., various
> Amorphophallus.
>
> I am a strong advocate of maintaining plants, any plants in pots,
> under rootbound conditions for the reasons that others have given here
> and more. It boils down to the health of the roots, which is really
> the greater part of horticultural method. You will notice that a plant
> is at its best when it is well along after repotting, becoming
> pot-bound, yet before it is really cramped. This ideal state does not
> last more than a year or two in many cases, unfortunately.
>
> The rootbound condition necessitates more frequent and more thorough
> watering (a good thing for many aroids) but otherwise should not be a
> problem for the grower. Shortly before a plant is simply obnoxious
> because it dries and wilts all the time, it should get a bigger pot.
>
> Naturally there are exceptions, such as fast growing plants or aquatic
> aroids, that can be "overpotted" with no ill results. If plant health,
> time of year and other conditions are ideal then it may be fine to put
> a large pot-bound Philodendron in a 6" pot directly into a 5gal tub if
> it is a large species.
>
> I would add that the firmness of the container is important too. Roots
> seem to need physical resistance, and I have generally had much better
> results with very firm, stiff pots (good polstyrene, clay, wooden
> boxes, etc.). Any squishy-soft pots are thrown away. As a consequence
> of "greater efficiency" in modern injection molding I have lots of
> plastic pots 10 years old or more that I value highly.
>
> Particle size of potting media is another consideration, in addition
> to others. It is a complex topic that is not often properly addressed.
> Best of luck with you article!
>
> Dylan
>
>
>
> On 02/09/2010, ExoticRainforest wrote:
>
>> Some of you know that I love to chase down the sources of horticultural
>> beliefs. If you have ever spent time on any plant forum you know the common
>> advice is to keep your plants root bound, or at least when you repot give
>> the roots only an "extra fingers width" on each side the pot. My question
>> is where do that advice originate? Why do we believe it? Is this really
>> good growing advice or just an old wives tale? Are plants in the rain
>> forest root bound?
>>
>> I understand that nursery men prefer to start their plants in small pots
>> and allow the roots to fill it before stepping the seedling up to a larger
>> pot. My understanding is they do this in order to encourage a hearty root
>> system first. But it appears some growers may have taken this advice to
>> excess and always keep their plant's root bound. Should we always keep our
>> aroids in pots so small their roots are for ever crowded, or give them space
>> to grow?
>>
>> We always have new growers looking for good growing advice. If you have
>> adopted a small pot policy please tell us why. If you are an experienced
>> grower and prefer a tight pot method I would enjoy knowing the reasoning.
>> Many of you don't know that I have written for years for a variety of
>> magazines and I have another train of thought in this area. I am now
>> working on a new article to explain about aroid growth, a plant's need for
>> oxygen around its roots as well as how to keep their root systems healthy.
>> This discussion will help me to formulate my article.
>>
>> If you are new to growing, please chime in.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> Steve
>> www,ExoticRainforest.com
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>>
>
>
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