I got some first-hand evidence of how the Smart Pots seem to work. I had transplanted a Quercus michauxii seedling around April 1 into a Smart Pot. It was bitten off by a critter this weekend, so I decided (since I have more michauxii seedlings than I need anyway) to just sacrifice it, and dump and check out the root system. There was one long, slightly "thick" root going down at an angle off the air-pruned tip of the taproot that had reached the bottom and worked its way into the fibers. The root had not emerged from the outside of the pot, but instead seems to have gotten "stuck" there. No side roots had branched off of this particular root yet, but I imagine that the Smart Pot works both by airpruning AND 'trapping' of the root tip.

I'm going to guess you damaged the roots during transplant and they haven't recovered yet. Here's my rationale: turgidity occurs when transpiration is greater than absorbtion; since your plants are heavily shaded(or picture taken in the evening) its probably not so hot the plant is transpiring that much. The new leaves appear unaffected; root damage usually occurs to older roots as they're bigger and more likely to get broken and the younger roots are actively growing thus more likely to recover from any damage they receive. Of course it could be over watering is killing your roots thus yielding the same symptoms. you might try something more along the lines of 1/2 on, 4 hours off.

Hey, Cj, thanks for the clarification! I was sure the whole process was a lot more complicated than my stab at explanation, but I didn't expect it to be this wonderful! Of course, even my simpleminded description draws blank stares from anyone I show the flower to (after they stop laughing). Good to know the "real deal." Thanks again! Sharon

Interesting and heavy duty is right.