Lifting seedlings from bed of perlite. Roots break :(

[Thunder84]

I put my seeds in rockwool cubes that are placed in the black plastic that I bought them in (the plastic containers have holes in the bottom so the roots grow out through them). They looks like this:
http://www.420hydro.com/files/images/29.jpg

I then placed it on a bed om perlite placed in a platic box.

They have grown pretty good and the roots have spread down through the perlite for almost two weeks.

Now when i tried to lift them, the weight of the perlite is so heavy that the some roots break. Even if I lift all of the plastic at once.

I can't think of any good way to solve this problem. The black plastic prevents me from getting to the perlite.

Does anyone have a suggestion of what I can try?

 

[ISM2]

They have grown pretty good and the roots have spread down through the perlite for almost two weeks.

They been in there for two weeks...many roots.
You'll be ok with some roots breaking.
Have you tried selectively cutting them from the perlite?

 

[vostok]

Re-locate now to there final pot, to save on any more damage due to broken rootlets, as growing them back, just results in delayed harvest date.. etc etc

 

[2 Legal Co]

That's why I don't use perlite, just water in the tray. That way it's very easy to use them in dirt or water.

 

[jay-toker]

.

 

[Thunder84]

>let the perlite dry more than usual but not enough to harm the plant.
>then scoop the roots out with a large spoon.

That was a good idea. I got them out and just a few broke a bit.

Thanks everyone!

 

[snuggles]

For the future you could put the pot(s) with the plants on some tinfoil or something else that keeps the roots from spreading downward and through the perlite.
If i have understood correctly, you use the perlite for humidity and not a medium. A little foil or a plastic tray where you could put the pots on would not harm the humidity in any way.
Also, make sure that the perlite is not drenched in water, it could be a place for mold to start growing. Wet the perlite under the sink and drain it through a sieve. Then put it in the plastic box, which ideally should have some form of runoff/air holes near the bottom.
Greets