Pruning the Roots of Container Plants

Plants can be grown in pots, but they often take up too much room and need special care from you when it comes to pruning the roots of container plants. Potted plants are easier to maintain and clean than those that grow upright. Yet, no matter how they are transported and brought home, a plant that is in a pot will need a certain amount of maintenance to stay healthy and thrive.

1. Basic Information on Pruning the Roots

You should prune your plants regularly, especially if you buy plants in bulk, to keep them healthy. Here is some basic information on pruning the roots of container plants in pots.

1.1 Begin the Pruning by Cutting Topmost Portion

It is important to note that any pruning should always begin by cutting off only the topmost portion of the root system. By doing this, the lower sections of the root system will not be cut off and may not have time to grow. Doing this pruning will create space for the new plants that will sprout from the dead or damaged roots. This is an essential part of how to prune plants in pots.

1.2 Cutting off the Main Shoot of The Root

Start pruning the plant by cutting off just over the main shoot of the root. The topmost portion of the stem should be removed, while the middle part and the bottommost should be left intact. Cut at around a quarter inch above the main shoot. Be careful not to cut the plant too low or else the new growth will not be covered by the remaining parts of the root system.

1.3 Pruning the Other Roots

Prune the other roots first, and then the topmost one, after you have gotten rid of all obstructions around the base of the plant. Work your way down to the bottom of the pot and continue the pruning process there as well. For large pots, it may take two or three separate trips to accomplish this. It is important to keep the pruning short, because the roots of these plants can become very long.

1.4 Settling the Plant After Pruning the Roots

When you are finished pruning the roots of container plants, you will see that the whole plant will have been reduced to a stub. If you wish, you can pinch the stub and use it to fill in an area that you might have otherwise not. You can easily do this when the plant is in the pot because the roots are spread out and are easy to manipulate. Fill in the hole with soil and let the plant sit for a day or two. This will help it settle and get used to the surroundings. If you are planning on replanting the plant, it will take at least a few days before it becomes established again.

2. Pruning the Roots Provide More Space to Plant for Growth

Some container plants are best planted into containers that have already been established. They may take some time to establish themselves in their new home, but once they are fully established, you can use them almost immediately. These plants can be used as a focal point in your patio or balcony. You can place a container in one corner of your balcony and put your favorite herbs there. Just remember to prune the roots regularly so that your plant has room to grow.

3. Place the Plants at Best Locations

When you have chosen which container your plant or herb will be planted in, remember that it should be placed in a location where it will get plenty of sunlight. Sunlight will help it grow successfully. Keep in mind that you will have to repot your plant from time to time. Repotting your plant is as simple as removing the existing soil and putting new soil in its place.

4. Conclusion

Pruning the roots of container plants is not something that you need to do often. Do it when you notice that your plant is becoming sickly. Also, Remove the sick leaves and stems, and give your container plants a good soak in water to dislodge the disease-causing pathogens. It is also important to do this regularly if your container garden is near a fence or other structure that could damage the plant.