Can't fit roots into a shallower pot...

[Shyulace]

Mornin everyone.

Was wondering what I should do when I can't fit the roots of my phal into a newer pot.

I wanted to change the generic opaque plastic pot my seedling came in into a different pot for more air circulation and light. The thing is that the roots in the middle were growing straight down and is very firm and turgid, and the net pot is a bit shallower (but still has room for growth) than it's original pot. I can't seem to figure how I can make the transition without breaking those few long roots so I can get the plant at an appropriate depth. (Minus the obvious getting a deeper pot) haha. I already soaked the plants in water so it's easier to work with, and it didn't really increase the flexibility of these particular roots

I realize it's probably too soon to "repot" because it's not potbound and hasn't curved and bent around itself, but I just wanted to change to my preference of pots

Has anyone had this problem before?

Cheers

[fishmommy]

I would like to know the answer to this also.
good question!

[tucker85]

Just trim the roots with sterilized shears. Cut off all rotton or black roots. Trim the healthy roots to a length that fits. There is often part of the main trunk of the phal that extends too far down and has very few or no roots. That main stem can be trimmed also. I don't treat the cuts with anything but if you want to you can put cinnamon or something like Roottone on the cuts. Water the medium thouroughly and allow it to become almost completely dry between waterings. Keeping the medium too moist can encourage root problems. With net pots you shouldn't have a problem. Net pots are what I use for phals also. I've had great luck with them. Good luck.

[Shyulace]

Thanks for your response. I was always under the impression to never cut healthy roots.

[RosieC]

I've always tended to avoid cutting healthy roots, but the experts do it when you watch repotting tip vidios so I think that in a healthy plant there is no problem, just make sure you leave it plenty of root as well.

[james mickelso]

I have always used rootone on the roots when I cut them. I used it on bonsai roots for decades and had great results so transfered it to my new (20yrs) hobby/addiction. Berfore I repot I soak the rootball in a rooting solution and then when I cut the roots, I dust them with rootone. Then repot with soaked potting media. I then set the plant out without watering it for a week or so. Just mist the leaves in the morn. Seems to work great. My new potting media has been working great. No rotting problems and lots of new root growth whereas before I had problems with roots staying too wet and rotting. I live at the beach where it doesn't get dry.

[Cym Ladye]

After trimming the roots, another trick is to twist or gently "screw" the plant into the pot. Just keep the rotation going in the same direction and I do not think which direction it goes matters. Amazing the amount of room you get this way and it does far less damage to the roots.

CL

[Zoi2]

Just my 2 cents: If this is a small seedling phal, I don't believe I would mess with it just yet. It will probably not tolerate being dry for very long.
Joann