yes, Harry, this is the latest development in root growing. it seems to
work, too. The root masses developed are far thicker than pot grown plants.
As you have mentioned, the roots permeate the peat right through to the
center rather than only on the outside of the ball.
Now this presents a problem for the bonsai grower. Most bonsai are grown in
shallow pots or trays. What to do? Gently open the peat ball and spread
the roots out as flat as possible. Wash away as much of the peat as
possible. You may have to plant the shrub in the ground for a season to
acclimate it. Then it will be ready to be root pruned and potted.
Marty
----- Original Message -----
From: "Harry in Iowa"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2003 6:11 PM
Subject: [IBC] PJM Rhododendron roots


Hi all,

I have purchased a Rhododendron and it was apparently planted in peat
moss. When removed from the pot I have a perfectly shaped replica of the
pot. A solid mass of root fibers. Do I hack and slash to get the shape I
want? I have removed about 1/3 of the mass and there is no difference
farther in.

It came in a 3 gallon nursey pot. From soil surface to top
approximately
18 inches. Spread about the same. Trunk about 1 & 1/4 inches at the base.
After removal of some of the root mass I soaked it a bucket of water to
make sure the peat moss was wetted again.

How do I approach this?

Thanks in advance,
Harry in Iowa


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Hi all,

I have purchased a Rhododendron and it was apparently
planted in peat
moss. When removed from the pot I have a perfectly shaped
replica of the
pot. A solid mass of root fibers. Do I hack and slash to get
the shape I
want? I have removed about 1/3 of the mass and there is no
difference
farther in.

It came in a 3 gallon nursey pot. From soil surface to top
approximately
18 inches. Spread about the same. Trunk about 1 & 1/4 inches at
the base.
After removal of some of the root mass I soaked it a bucket of
water to
make sure the peat moss was wetted again.

How do I approach this?

Thanks in advance,
Harry in Iowa

Maybe, in Iowa, it won't be too late in the year to have done so
much root chopping on a Rhododendron. They're quite forgiving,
and can be worked on after the blooming period is over, so let's
hope.

I would wash out ALL of the peat -- if it IS peat. You may find
that most of the "peat" is actually roots. Rhododendron grow
masses of very, very fine roots. If it is peat, wash it
thoroughly. Quite a bit of root may wash away during this
process.

Replant in a shallow, wide pot (bulb pots are nice) -- maybe
twice as wide as deep. Use a coarse, fast-draining soil, with a
considerable amount of rich organic material in it (for acidity).
Coarse, home-made manure compost is nice. Be certain that you
get the soil thoroughly mixed into the root ball, leaving no air
pockets. For the first watering or two, you can submerge the pot
OVER the rim and keep it there till all bubbles stop. Subsequent
watering should be a sprinkle from the top. You probably should
trim a bit off the top, too, but it isn't absolutely necessary
unless most of the roots washed off the plant.

For the remainder of the summer, keep the plant where it gets
morning sun and afternoon shade. Never let it dry out (but don't
let it get soggy). Fertilize every 2 weeks with an acid
fertilizer (Miracle Gro 20-20-20 or Miracid is fine).

Good luck.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The phrase
'sustainable growth' is an oxymoron. - Stephen Viederman

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