Question for Tapla on root pruning palms
Thomas
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (17)
Related Discussions
Root pruning question - technique and gritty mix
Comments (4)Nil is correct, method 1 is standard for planting into the ground, and method 2 works for pots. However, what should be added to that is that when you root prune, your goal is obviously to reduce the space the roots take up, so eliminating the least useful roots is what you want to do. The larger the root, the less useful it is, being that large roots are more of an anchor, which is great in the ground, but not necessary in a pot. The small feeder roots are what you want, as they do all the work of taking in water and nutrients. I have a rather large ficus 'alii' that I got free from a plant shop, because it was "dead". I literally grabbed it out of the rolling dump cart on its way outside. It was so root bound that the plastic pot was severely bulged, and it probably couldn't take up water, as there was hardly any soil. Long story short, it is now a beautiful tree, thriving in barkless gritty mix. What I did was grab a pruning saw, and cut out ALL roots larger than about 3/4", clipped any dead branches off, clean the old soil off the roots, fill in the gritty mix, and wait. After a few months it sprang to life, and has only improved from there. As for upkeep, I repot it every couple of years, as needed. I basically scoop away the loose gritty mix, pull the tree from the pot, and most of the mix will easily shake away from the roots. I remove about 1/4 to 1/3 of the roots, targeting the largest ones. I usually prune out some foliage to maintain a good form too. Better for you to choose which leaves go, rather than let the plant choose. I know I said long story short, so I guess I got a bit carried away. Anywho, the gist of it is to cut out the large anchor roots each time you repot. Good luck, have fun, and enjoy the benefits of a job well done. Joe...See MorePruned Fan Palm not recovering from Winter!
Comments (56)Ok so a week later and no real signs of growth, ALTHOUGH, this morning it looked like the center was maybe 1cm (yes a full cm) taller than the rest. Meaning it has come up, since I cut it all very smooth and flat. SO, we will see.. It all looks like the rot got in the wind/air and just browned everything though. Or maybe it just browned on its own because it is exposed tissue?...See MoreMajesty Palm Root Question
Comments (2)I would be careful about pruning palm roots... most palms take such behavior badly, and often croak. I would NOT root prune at all if I were you... I have found these palms to actually do very well root bound, but there is a limit to how root bound (if almost no soil, this will make them yellowy, sad and somewhat weaker). They do indeed like lots of water, though, and one of the few potted palms that appreciates fertilizer regularly (liquid, preferably, and rather diluted). The reason your palm is 'shrinking' may be that it is now exposed to better light and is making 'more normal' leaves most likely (and not so etiolated, despite being in a window with 'good light'). You could move it up a pot, but I would personally remove the smaller palm if you can (you can just chop it off at the surface so no root damage will be done). It is competing for soil space and nutrients/water and is going to be a problem someday anyway, most likely. I don't think the little amount of exposed roots is harming the palm, but if you repot it, put it a bit deeper, or at least angle it so the base is more even with the soil surface (this will make your palm lean markedly for a few years, but it will grow out of it)....See MoreRoot Pruning mango trees
Comments (10)Hi Nanci, I emailed Jay regarding this and he told me that he dissagreed with Al's root pruning time frames. I am just going to hold out until it becomes necessary. I cannot believe that a mango tree would lose it's vigor after one short year. Now that I think about it, I believe he was talking in general terms. I have that Atualfo seedling that I am going to experiment with today. It needs a larger pot and I am going to try and remove about half of the tap root and see what happens. Hi Ashley, I have tried posting to some of those other forums before. I even emailed Al and both ways got me no where. No one answered my post on the fig forum, and container forum, and Al didn't answer my email. I emailed him about Fig varieties and he ignored it. Sad to say but I have found that on some of those forums, if your not a "regular" poster there, they tend to not answer you. Hey Mango kush, I actually wouldn't mind if you sent me some mango seeds of varieties that you find to be superior. I have one seedling that I hope will bear fruit before I am an old man! I also really would like to try my hands at grafing mango seedlings. I really like the Maha Chinook mango, and I would like a second tree but it would be much nicer if I could try grafting it myself. Now I know that Harry has found it to be challenging but it would still be an awesome journey and hopefully some day I will get one to take! Andrew...See Moretropicofcancer (6b SW-PA)
6 years agopalmbob
6 years agotropicofcancer (6b SW-PA)
6 years agoThomas
6 years agoThomas
6 years agopalmbob
6 years agoThomas
6 years agoThomas
6 years agoGary Lewis
6 years agoUser
6 years agopalmbob
6 years agoThomas
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agotropicbreezent
6 years agopalmbob
6 years ago
Related Stories
NATIVE PLANTS10 Top Plants Native to the Desert Southwest
Get a thriving garden despite unforgiving conditions with these tough, unthirsty, sun-loving beauties
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESThe Quotable Garden: Writings That Will Grab Your Heart
Maybe you’ll see yourself in these reflections. Or maybe you’ll find a whole new way of looking at gardening
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Avoid Overcrowded, Overpruned Shrubs
Go for a more natural look that’s easier and less expensive to maintain by giving your plants the right amount of growing room
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Plants for Colorful Fall Blooms in the Drought-Tolerant Garden
Want fall color but not a big water bill? Consider these not-too-thirsty fall bloomers
Full StoryHOUSEPLANTS8 Essentials for Healthy Indoor Plants
Houseplants add so much to our homes — and can thrive when grown in the right conditions. Keep these tips in mind
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESWhen and How to Plant a Tree, and Why You Should
Trees add beauty while benefiting the environment. Learn the right way to plant one
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESCommon Myths That May Be Hurting Your Garden
Discover the truth about fertilizer, soil, staking and more to keep your plants healthy and happy
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGGrow a Lush Privacy Screen
No need to wait forever for patio privacy the green way. These 10 ideas will get your screening up and running in no time
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESNew Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden
Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Keep Your Citrus Trees Well Fed and Healthy
Ripe for some citrus fertilizer know-how? This mini guide will help your lemon, orange and grapefruit trees flourish
Full StorySponsored
tropicofcancer (6b SW-PA)