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Roots growing out bottom of pots

Hey, I am currently growing in soil using 2 gallon buckets. The plants are from seed and are 4 weeks into veg. The roots are starting to grow out the bottom of my drainage holes. I am assuming this is a problem but wanting to make sure before I transplant again if I don't have to. I know people say you should have a gallon per foot but most of them are about 10 inches and a few are about 14 so far. So is this a problem? Thanks
 
G

Guest

I usually wait until I see signs of rootbound, not just roots growing out of the bottom. The roots grow down at first I believe then start spreading outwards. You have a tray underneath that water is accumulating in after watering?
 
Thanks Hoi. It's ok though to keep them in these 2 gallons or is this a sign of problems to come? So most people have roots growing out the bottom or they dont if they have a bigger container? Are the roots being damaged right now as I set the buckets down on them? I have a tarp underneath my plants, no trays. I water them in the tub then bring them on the tarp. A little water does accumulate on the tarp but I let most of it drain first. Is this no good?? Thanks hoi or anyone else. Peace
 

Rellikbuzz

Active member
As I understand it, there are tap roots and lateral roots. You are seeing the tap root coming out of the bottom of your pots. The problem can most likely be traced to the fact that there is standing water on your tarp after you water your plants. The tap root senses the standing water and grows long to seek it out.

I would probably trim the tap root with a sharp pair of scissors that have been sterilized in isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. After cutting the root(s), I would put a drop or two of superthrive on the cuts to help them heal properly. You might find that this also helps the plant to branch out a little bit. It's almost like topping the plant. By cutting the tap root, the auxins (growth hormones for the roots) will be redirected to the lateral roots and, thus, you should see the side branches start to take of as well.

In the future, I would use trays under your pots and make sure that there is no standing water in the trays after waterings. Just my suggestion.
 
Thanks Rellik. So they aren't root bound or coming close to it and they will be alright in these 2 gallons? I'm going to cut off the tap roots like you suggested. It must be the standing water on the tarp then. Could this also be the reason some of the new leaf growth on my plants have tips that look like someone took a highlighter to them, or is this some sort of deficiency? Thanks
 
I have a scissor and hydrogen peroxide but I don't have any superthrive. Should I wait until I get some or can I cut without it? I don't want to damage the tap so if it needs superthrive to do this, i'll wait.Thanks
 

Rellikbuzz

Active member
You could cut the roots without the superthrive but I'd been watching your plants for any ill-effects. You can buy superthrive at any garden center and it's about $5.00 US for a bottle of it. Be careful as it is very concentrated. Only a drop from an ear dropper on the ends of your cuts is needed. You can also feed the plants at 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water and it will also help the plant through any stress. Superthrive is basically a B-Vitamin supplement for the plant. It's great stuff!!
 
Thanks for takin the time out to respond man. I thought Superthrive needed to be picked up at a dro shop, like the one I drove 1 1/2 hours to grab my FF supplies. I'll be pickin some up since I can grab it local. Thanks
 
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