Root pruning potted Chusan palms ?

Discussion in 'Tropical Gardening' started by WeeTam, Sep 21, 2018.

  1. WeeTam

    WeeTam Total Gardener

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    Has anyone got experience of pruning their Trachy palms lower roots? Ive just tried to repot a couple small palms but the roots are growing rapidly downwards in the pot forcing the palm upwards.
    I dont have pots deep enough to contain the plant and was thinking about pruning a couple inches off the lowest roots. Plant is very healthy.

    I wouldnt dare do this to my Brahea Armata which is doing the same thing as it would probably sulk for years as a result.

    Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
     
  2. strongylodon

    strongylodon Old Member

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    I have only done it with two Phoenix roebelenii (dwarf date palms) which grew on regardless, after two years they need doing again. Trachys may not respond the same as they are sometimes prone to sulking after planting and may do the same with a root prune,
    @pete may be some help.
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      I've never tried it with a Trachy, I find they grow better in the ground.
      Even be hardy up your way Tam.:blue thumb:

      i've been known to saw off the bottom third of the roots on CIDP a few times, plant does usually stand still for one year, but grows masses of roots the following year, so you are basically back to square one:biggrin:

      I'm sure a Trachy would be similar, but perhaps do it it bit more carefully, on one plant, and see what happens.
      Lets face it, once the roots have no soil around them they probably aint doing much, so if you cut those ones off, will it know the difference
       
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        I've got a washingtonia that I'm going to try it on next spring.
        But I've only ever done the job in spring.
        So I'll wait till April.
         
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        • WeeTam

          WeeTam Total Gardener

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          Thanks guys... looks like there is little point in doing it as your saying the roots grow back strongly within the year anyway.

          I think it may be easier to just buy bigger pots and more compost. I would like them all in the ground but i couldnt face leaving them all behind if i move house. Plus ive got 3 biggies in the ground already with another 12 in pots. Bought way too many,oops :doh:

          Thanks again for your help @pete & @strongylodon :dbgrtmb:
           
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          • Mike Allen

            Mike Allen Total Gardener

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            Quite a bit on the internet. 'Root Pruning, Stachy Palms.
             
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