Description
Root Pruning Pots work on the basis of plants needing plenty of air.
In general, all growers know that plants need the below to grow big and strong, and to yield their optimum capacity for fruit or flowers.
- Sun
- Good soil
- Water
- Nutrients
The science (biology) behind Root Pruning Pots:
Root Pruning Pots work by using air to prune the roots of the growing plant.
As seen in the photo, the cones on the inside of the pot direct the roots to grow toward their holes facing the outside of the pot.
As the roots reach these tiny holes, they are exposed to the air, and they dry out and die back a little. This is exactly what is needed, as it sends an enzymatic message to the plant to produce new root growth along the now-trimmed root. As more and more root tips reach the air, the plant receives more signals to put out more roots.
In the end, there is a denser root ball with an increased surface area, which means the plant can take up more water and nutrients.
This root-pruning also eliminates root-circling, which is a problem when using traditional growing pots.
Why are circular roots a problem?
Roots keep on growing until something stops them – they are trimmed by hand or are exposed to air.
When a plant is grown in a traditional container, the roots are not exposed to air, so as the plant grows, so do the roots. Once the roots hit the sides of the pot, they will continue to grow, circling around inside the pot.
The circular roots of this plant ended up growing around the bottom of the pot several times.
Over time this unchecked root growth pushes soil, and the plant, up out of the pot. If left for too long, these circling roots can put enough pressure on the stem to prevent water and nutrient uptake. In short, the plant strangles itself.
Beneficial Bacteria and Fungi
Mycorrhizae are microscopic naturally occurring fungi in most soils, that form a symbiotic relationship with the plants growing around them. These fungi permeate the roots and become a part of the plant’s root structure. This is positive as it significantly increases the surface area of the root system. Because the root system is larger, it can access more water in the soil, meaning the plants don’t need to be watered as often.
Root Pruning Pots are highly beneficial for mycorrhiza. By encouraging more root growth, you have a greater surface area for beneficial bacteria and fungi to attach to. In turn, these naturally occurring microorganisms in the soil “pre-digest” nutrients, making them easier for the plant to absorb.
All of this leads to healthier, stronger plants with higher drought tolerance and disease resistance which in turn leads to the largest yields.
In summary, Root Pruning Pots work to improve the root system, which in turn gives rapid plant growth.
Other benefits of Root Pruning Pots:
- Storage Space In Off-Season: Root Pruning Pots are easily disassembled at the end of the growing season and stored flat.
- Repotting Easier: when it is time to pot up to a larger size, one removes the pot from the plant rather than the other way around. This will be less stressful on the plant itself. Place the unwrapped plant in a new Root Pruning Pot the next size up and add more growing medium.
