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Cutting Overgrown Roots Before Re-potting Safe?
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 4:25 am
by MizzelmeKit
I'd like to re-pot my Peace Lily. Its roots have overgrown its plastic potholder and a large portion of the roots are exposed outside of the plastic pot. I'd like to discard the plastic holder, but I will have to cut the exposed roots in order to do that. Will this injure my Peace Lily?
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 7:37 am
by rainbowgardener
It shouldn't kill it, but if it's a "large portion" of the roots, it is likely to set it back - it's part of how they keep bonsai trees small in small pots by trimming the roots.
Can't you just cut the plastic pot off of it and then put the whole root ball in a much bigger pot?
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 8:52 am
by Kisal
I agree with RG. Root pruning usually doesn't harm a plant, although you should not remove more of the roots than is absolutely necessary. Since the roots are responsible for absorbing the moisture and nutrients that support the top growth, you will more than likely lose some of the leaves and stems. As when pruning the top growth, don't remove more than 1/3 of the plant's living tissue.
Is it possible that you're saying the roots have grown out through the drainage holes of the old container to such an extent that it cannot be removed without damaging them or tearing them off? If that's the case, could you break the container to remove it without too much damage to the roots? You might be able to use tin snips to cut the pot away. Just a suggestion.
Cutting roots
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 12:29 pm
by roosky
Hi,
In relation to the above, I am about to repot a Swiss Cheese Plant. 6 months ago, we pruned off about 2/3 of its growth, as it was getting much too big for the space it's in. It's fine, but growing sideways from the bottom, and we need to realign it. The problem is, the roots are growing out of the bottom of the pot, and beginning to encircle it. (I know, I should have done something about it ages ago !)
Does the advice above re lilies apply also to the Cheese Plant ? Can I safely cut off the roots outside the pot without killing it ?
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 2:06 pm
by Kisal
Yes, the advice would be the same ... IMO, anyway. Other members might have differing viewpoints. Again, though, if you prune the roots, you
will lose part of the top growth, and it's impossible to tell in advance exactly what parts will die.
"Peace Lily" is one of the the common names for Spathiphyllum.
[img]https://www.todaysmuslimah.com/Group_20of_20Spathiphyllum.jpg[/img]