How are you supposed to handle the root ball when transplanting flowers?

Question

I've been told two different things:
1. Don't disturb the compacted roots when you pull them from their container and replant.
2. Go ahead and loosen the roots up by squeezing, etc. before transplanting.

Which causes less trauma?

Answer 1

that depends on the flower,some plants such as erricas,dont like there roots dissturd at all,where as other plants,its very important to tease the roots and remove any damaged ones,if you dont tease when required the root system can contiue to go around and around like it was in the pot,you then end up with club rot and the plant dies,when byeing plants avoid plants that are allready pot bound,

Answer 2

Hi, You can tease the roots it suppose to make the plants grow better. Don't worry about the way you handle them plants are pretty hardy and should not die from that. When you replant a plant you might see some of the plant die off but normally the plant will take with food and water. Just watch the light and shade your planting them in. I have found when a plant says part shade it means it. Early morning sun or later evening sun is OK for part shade plants. Also, some perennial will not really do to well the first year put the second year they should be OK

Answer 3

Well, first off, you "need" to handle the root ball, because if you hold it from the stem of the flower, you may damage the stem, from the strain of the ball...

Loosen it up just a bit, so that the roots have room to grow.

I planted a few cherry trees with root balls. The one that I planted, with root ball intact, died. The ones that I planted with the root ball entirely busted off, lived. I will never plant another tree with the root ball on it again.

But, remember, every plant will be different. No "right answer" will ever be the same for any two plants..so, I would check with your local green house and get thier "professional" opinion, as they "should" guarantee the flower to survive, if you follow thier instructions..


I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 4

If the roots are really compacted and dense, you need to loosen them up, or they will grow inward, get no nutrients and do badly or die. You can even trim them, much like pruning above ground, and that will promote branching.

Answer 5

to promote root growth, loosen the root ball before planting.