Re-potting from lava rock

[elibrown81]

I am planning on re-potting an Alcra. into s/h. It is very root bound and currently potted in lava rock. (not my choice, it just came that way) I have re-potted other Onc. types from lava into s/h, and often the roots have really taken hold of the rock making it very difficult to remove all of the old media. Since the old media is in-organic, is it as important to remove ALL of it before the move to s/h? In my past experience I have been very aggressive in removing all of the rock, sometimes resulting in quite a bit of root damage. Should I just leave the rocks that the plant doesn't want to easily give up, and in doing so, spare it unnecessary root trauma?

[Ray]

I would shake the crap out of the plant to try to loosen and remove as much of the lava rock as possible, but you're right, as it's inorganic, don't "sweat it" too much if it doesn't all come off.

[justatypn]

eli, sure do not like the thought of "shacking the crap out of it", but will need some TLC after you move it to it's new enviroment.

[elibrown81]

Ray,
Thanks for the input. I think that I might stop just short of "shaking the crap out of it" but I get your point. I also think that a good soak prior to re-potting should help keep the roots flexible, which should help keep the trauma to a minimum.

Anybody else have any advise to add?

[Ray]

You two are WAY too literal.

[elibrown81]

just wanted to be clear, for those unlucky people who might miss your sense of humor

[Ray]

LOL!

With some of the advice I've seen, "shaking the crap out of them" would be less damaging.

[elibrown81]

fair enough. but seriously, thanks for all of your input.