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China Doll (Radermachera Sinica) Root Pruning and Repotting

14 years ago

Has anyone root pruned and repotted their Radermachera Sinica into Al's gritty mix? I know they're a bit fickle so I'm wondering how well they handle root work.

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Comments (5)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
14 years ago
I have, I have! ;o)

No problem with their handling root work, but don't delay. It's getting late in the growth cycle. Late Jun-early Jul is best for you, but if your tree is healthy it'll be ok.

Here are some pictures of a harsh top reduction if you're interested. I really should get it outside & take additional pictures of it 2 months later. You'll be surprised at what it looks like after seemingly such harsh treatment.

Al
kashu
Original Author
14 years ago
Al,

I came across that post while doing a search and was wondering what it looked like now, please post pictures soon.

My radermachera is 3 ft tall and bushy, in a 9" pot. I got it as a gift last week and I've been adjusting it to its new environment. The soil looks very compact and I can see roots on top of the soil as well as at the drainage holes.

I like the way the top growth looks and don't really want to prune the stems, I actually want it to become taller and treelike. But I want to cut away at least half the roots to encourage healthier growth. Do you think this would be ok?
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Yes, that's why I threw the word tree out there. Mine looks more like a Dracaena after having it a couple years, whatever growth regulator has worn off. It's a couple feet tall with a hard, woody trunk and leaves at the top (of each trunk.) I've beheaded the big one (there are actually 3 in the pot) a few times to keep it more stout, and don't plan to let it get much taller, or let the other two increase in height either, proportionately. I like the 3-level effect. I think it would get as tall as you will let it, so $1.39 sounds like a great price for a plant to play with and learn how to keep a captive tree from getting too big to fit in your house for winters. Also think you happened to get an 'easy one' so also great for experimentation/learning. Starting today, you could pinch out the growth tip(s.) That would cause the tip to bifurcate. Twin tips usually grow more slowly, and definitely provide more leaf mass. Once those two are big enough to pinch out, you can turn that into 4 tips. Up to you to dictate and control how the tree grows. If there are 3 trunks, you could braid them, or espalier 2 of them sideways. For winter, a couple hours or more of direct sun from an E, W, S window should be fine. Which way to the balcony? Sliding glass door? Probably a great spot by that if your curtain/privacy situation goes along with it.
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How forgiving your tree is depends in large part on what approach you take to reverse its decline, and timing plays an important part in determining how enthusiastically your tree will react to your ministrations. Let me know if you want to make a plan that will begin with eliminating the mealybug problem and entering into a discussion about what's going on in the root zone. In addition to my offerings here, it's likely I'll offer some links to short (short in comparison to a book, but longer than the average GW/Houzz post) articles/posts I wrote, which you can read at your leisure. Sound like something you're up for? Al
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tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
14 years ago
I think we should tweak your perspective just a little. Root pruning, along with full repots, actually helps to prevent the stress associated with tight roots and collapsed soils. It helps to prevent decline and allows the plant to grow at closer to its genetic potential. I would bare-root and only prune out the largest roots, not taking any more than 1/3 of the o/a root mass. Repotting into the gritty mix is a good idea. Open shade for at least 2 weeks after the repot is best.

Good luck.

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kashu
Original Author
14 years ago
I did a full repot this weekend trying not to take off more than 1/3 of the roots as suggested. But the soil was so compact, I'm afraid I took off close to 1/2 the roots trying to hose off all the old soil. Most of the roots were pretty fine and delicate and broke off quite easily.
tammypie
12 years ago
kashu,

How did you fare with your China Doll and the root pruning? I'm thinking of doing this to my CD this spring.

TammyPie

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