Maya Ellison
Roots sticking to the inside of a plastic pot is a common problem for plant owners. This is known as a plant becoming root-bound. It is caused by a plant's roots circling the inside of a pot, which can be deadly for the plant. This is a particular problem for plants in plastic pots, which are often used for their durability and ease of transport. There are several methods to prevent this, including using a fabric liner, placing sticks in the pot, or cutting vertical lines through the root ball.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bottles can be used to make large pots lighter
Large pots can be heavy and use a lot of potting soil, making them difficult to move, especially after watering. Plastic bottles can be used to make large pots lighter and easier to carry. Before adding the potting soil, fill the pot halfway with tightly capped empty plastic bottles. This method also cuts down on the amount of soil needed and is better for shallow-rooted plants like succulents, as it prevents root rot. However, it is important to note that this method does not provide drainage, and the plastic bottles may contain chemicals that can leach into the soil over time, so it is not recommended for edible plants.
If you are concerned about soil falling through the gaps between the bottles, you can cover them with porous lava rock before adding the soil. Alternatively, you can use a cache-pot, a plastic pot that you wedge into the larger pot and then plant, using the bigger pot as a pedestal.
Another way to use plastic bottles to create large pots is to cut them and paint them to create unique planters for herbs, seeds, flowers, or even vegetable scraps. This method involves cutting the bottle a third of the way up from the bottom and then painting and decorating it to your liking.
When dealing with roots that have grown around a plastic pot insert, it is generally recommended to gently detangle the roots and remove the plastic. While it may be time-consuming and cause some damage to the roots, leaving the plastic in place can restrict the growth of the plant.
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Roots growing out of drainage holes
If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes of your plant's pot, it is likely time to repot the plant in a larger pot. This is because the roots are seeking more space to grow and access to more nutrients. While it is possible to trim the roots that are poking out, this is not recommended as it may damage the plant.
To repot a plant with roots growing out of the drainage holes, you can follow these steps:
- Prepare a new, larger pot with fresh soil. Ensure that the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Gently remove the plant from its current pot. This may involve cutting the top edge of the pot and tearing the side down to the nearest drainage hole to release the plant without damaging the roots.
- Loosen the roots if they are tightly bound. You can do this by gently teasing them apart with your fingers or a skewer.
- Place the plant in the new pot and add fresh soil, ensuring that the roots are covered and the plant is secure.
- Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a location with bright, indirect light for a few days to reduce the stress of repotting.
It is important to act promptly when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes, as leaving the plant in an overcrowded pot can restrict its growth and even lead to the plant's decline.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some plants, such as succulents, are more susceptible to root rot if the soil does not dry out between waterings. Therefore, when repotting succulents, ensure the soil is well-drained and consider using a pot with more drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Preventing roots from circling a pot
Roots sticking to plastic pots is a common problem, especially with houseplants. Roots tend to circle a pot when the plant is too large for the container size or has been kept in the pot for too long. This can cause the root mass to become so dense that it prevents roots from penetrating the soil after planting. Over time, this can weaken the root system and make the plant susceptible to root disease.
To prevent roots from circling a pot, you can try the following methods:
- Air Pruning: This method involves creating an airspace between the pot and the mix, causing the roots to stop growing when they hit the air. You can use pots with large holes in the surface and sides, or wrap the pot in a flexible, porous, non-wicking material to encourage ventilation.
- Fabric Pot Liners: Using a non-woven fabric, such as Spun Landscape Fabric, can help prevent circling roots and promote more feeder root mass. The random fibres capture the root tips, air prune, and prevent or reduce circling.
- Root Pruning: If you notice circling roots, you can manually prune them by cutting slits into the root ball or gently teasing apart the roots with your fingers before planting. This will encourage the plant to send new roots out into the surrounding soil.
- Pot Size and Frequency: To prevent roots from circling, it is important to select a pot size that is appropriate for the plant and to repot the plant regularly as it grows. Check the roots frequently and repot the plant if you notice that the roots are becoming too dense or beginning to circle.
Remember, it is essential to address root circling as soon as possible to prevent stressing the plant and depriving it of nutrients, air, and water.
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Pros and cons of letting pots root into the ground
The decision to let pots root into the ground has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the plant species, the climate, and the gardener's preferences. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros of letting pots root into the ground:
- Stability: Roots extending into the ground can provide stability to the pot, especially in areas with strong winds. This can prevent the pot from toppling over.
- Nutrient and Water Access: Roots growing outside the pot can access additional water and nutrients from the surrounding soil, which can improve the plant's health and reduce the need for fertilization.
- Flood Protection: In areas prone to flooding, having the pot elevated above the ground level can protect the plant from potential damage caused by standing water.
- Space Optimization: For gardeners with limited space, burying the pots partially or using techniques like creating a small berm can help utilize the available area efficiently.
Cons of letting pots root into the ground:
- Root Pruning Stress: Allowing roots to extend into the ground may result in excessive root pruning when it's time to move or repot the plant. This stress can adversely affect the plant's productivity and, in severe cases, even cause its death.
- Vegetative Growth: The plant might prioritize vegetative growth over fruit production when its roots are allowed to spread freely into the ground.
- Winter Weather Exposure: In colder climates, exposing the roots to winter weather can be detrimental to the plant's health.
- Restricted Growth: Pots inherently restrict the growth of plants compared to those grown directly in the soil. If left in the pot for an extended period, the plant's growth may be stunted due to limited root expansion.
- Maintenance: Pots with roots extending into the ground can be challenging to move or store during winter, requiring significant effort to dig out and sever the external roots.
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Makeover a plastic pot with joint compound
Plastic pots are commonly used for planting, and while they are convenient, they may not be aesthetically pleasing to some. If you want to give your plastic pots a makeover, you can use a technique that involves plaster or joint compound to give the pot texture and make it look like it is made of aged stone. This method is a great way to update cheap plastic planter pots and give them a rustic look. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Plastic Pot
Start by giving the plastic pot a rough sanding to create a textured surface for better adhesion. If your pot is a different colour, you may want to spray paint it with a base coat before applying the joint compound.
Step 2: Mix the Joint Compound
Joint Compound is a white powder made primarily of gypsum dust that is mixed with water to create a mud-like consistency. You can add some Elmer's glue to the mixture to give it more flexibility, especially if you plan to use the pot outdoors.
Step 3: Apply the Joint Compound
Use a putty knife to apply the joint compound to the pot. Create the desired texture by smoothing or adding more compound as needed. The compound will turn white when dry, so you can stop when you've achieved your desired look.
Step 4: Painting (Optional)
Once the joint compound is dry, you can paint the pot if desired. For a vintage look, mix acrylic paint with sand (both large and small grit) to add texture. You can also use spray paint with a satin finish instead of a glossy one for a more subtle sheen.
Step 5: Sealing (Optional)
If you plan to use the pot outdoors, consider sealing it with an indoor/outdoor polyurethane sealer to protect it from the elements and prolong its life.
By following these steps, you can transform plain plastic pots into decorative, aged stone-like planters. This is a creative way to upcycle old plastic pots and give them new life, all while indulging in a fun and rewarding DIY project.
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Frequently asked questions
The pros of letting a potted plant's roots stick to the plastic pot include the fact that it is easier to carry and requires less soil. The cons include the risk of root rot, especially for shallow-rooted plants, and the fact that it does not provide drainage.
You can prevent roots from sticking to the plastic pot by using a fabric liner, placing old wood chunks or large sticks around the inside of the pot, or cutting vertical lines through the root ball to disrupt circling.
If your plant's roots are already stuck to the plastic pot, you can try detangling the roots manually or with the help of a sprayer, soaking the roots in water to loosen them, or snipping the plastic to ease it out in parts.
