possible root damage while transplanting

[Willyd]

Hey all. So I have a question for everyone, I transplanted 2 of my girls today and 1 wasn't quite wet enough when I pulled it out and of course half of the soil fell apart in my hand.I'm not sure if it took any root damage or not , The plant is three weeks old. I thought about putting a dome over it like I do for clones until the plant recovers or I see there was no damage done. Good idea or bad?

 

[JDU]

I tear the bottom off the rootball when I transplant. Outside of the occasional mild shock it's like supercropping below ground.

 

[Willyd]

Really?! I had no idea that was a thing. So do you think I should just leave it for now and see what happens and i guess if it is starting to wilt I could always try and re-root it if its not too far gone?

 

[Gingerbeard]

Trimming roots is a common practice among those other types of gardeners. You know, tomatoes and cucumbers?

 

[JDU]

I'd just plant it- hold it so the loose roots stay pointing down as you fill the pot & then water it in.

 

[Willyd]

thats pretty much what i did. thank you

 

[Willyd]

im going to be reading up on this root trimming business.

 

[JDU]

Idk if it's anywhere to read- just something I observed & learned from years as a nurseryman.

 

[JDU]

Oh I didn't see your post Gingerbeard I guess it makes sense that others would make the same discovery.

 

[Rwise]

I like Voodoo Juice when transplanting, it helps new root growth.

 

[dphipps1020]

If it helps any, I've replaced the soil completely without issues when transplanting. My friend gave me some clones a while back with some worthless soil in it (he was adding nutrients), so I decided to transplant into good soil. I knocked off as much of the soil from the roots as I could, held her steady and filled the pots around the roots gently packing it as I went. This was my first time trying anything like that so I was a little worried. Plants had a day or 2 being in shock but thrived afterwards. I'd say as long as you don't break too many of the roots you should be fine.

 

[Rwise]

LOL I pulled 1 last year and replanted it, after a few days it was off and growing. they are hardy!

 

[Willyd]

super helpful thanks guys. She survived the night so I'm in the clear now I can have a nap I was up so many times checking on her for signs of wilting lol