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-   -   Any good tips on how to get a very rootbound plant out of a planter? (http://www.orchidboard.com/community/beginner-discussion/106710-tips-rootbound-plant-planter.html)

malteseproverb 04-28-2021 05:39 PM

Any good tips on how to get a very rootbound plant out of a planter?
 
2 Attachment(s)
I've had this dendrochilum cobbianum in this little pot for about 3 years. It started out very small and now it's spilling out. I thought it would be about time for a repot especially since it hasn't yet put out new growths since last blooming. Normally it would have by now but I thought it might be stalling because it ran out of space. (You might not be able to see in the pics but the newest growth is jutting out far over the pot rim.)

However, I'm having an impossible time getting it out of its pot. I watered it earlier today in an effort to loosen up the roots but it just won't budge AT ALL. I took a look and it seems like all the tiny roots are winding around the pot and holding on for dear life. The roots look great, and I know it's a plant that hates being repotted. Seems like I would have to destroy the roots and the pot to get it out. Right now I'm soaking it in the pot to see if that helps. What's my move?

estación seca 04-28-2021 07:12 PM

Consider using a butter knife to loosen the adhering roots. Press down from the top. Go slowly. Breaking the pot would probably be even more damaging.

Roberta 04-28-2021 10:48 PM

I use lots of terracotta pots, and roots do tend to stick to them. I'm inclined to just break the pot. Usually most of the pieces come loose easily. Any shards that have roots adhering, I just leave when I move it into the new pot. Bits of old pot in the new pot are no problem. Sacrifice the pot not the roots.

Steve83 04-28-2021 11:02 PM

Ball peen hammer. No worries if a few shards are still adhered.

DeaC 04-29-2021 09:19 AM

I've soaked pots overnight and did the butter knife thing with pretty good results and didn't need to break pot but old shard left behind is unavoidable but not detrimental.

Fishkeeper 04-29-2021 01:06 PM

Nice plant! Looks a bit comical in that pot.

Soaking for a few hours will help a lot, just make sure to drain it well afterward.


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