One small action in autumn can help you live 10 years longer. The sooner you know it, the better!

Why do we need to prune the roots?

1. Reduce pest and disease infection

After growing flowers for a period of time, the root system will have more or less problems, such as rotten roots, dead roots, and old roots. Pruning can greatly reduce the chance of the plants being infected with diseases and pests.

2. If old roots are not removed, new roots will not emerge.

Old roots grow slowly and waste nutrients; the capillary roots that absorb water will inhibit the growth of new roots when they dry up, so root pruning is necessary. The wounds caused by root pruning will also stimulate the plant and accelerate rooting.

In what cases is root pruning necessary?

1. Bare-root succulents purchased online need to have their roots trimmed

Succulents and cacti purchased online may have insect eggs, mold, and other diseases stuck to the roots or leaves. If planted directly, they can easily infect other flowers in the home, so the roots must be trimmed. However, woody and herbaceous flowers do not need to have their roots trimmed.

2. Prune roots when repotting

When repotting, if you find that the plant has dry or rotten roots, you need to trim the roots to avoid affecting subsequent growth.

How to properly prune roots?

1. Cut off water and remove basin

Before pruning the roots, cut off water for 7 days. When the soil is almost dry, dig out the whole plant with the soil and clean the soil carefully.

2. Prune the roots

Keep a strong main root system and new roots that grow well, and properly prune dry roots, rotten roots, white capillary roots, reverse roots and overly long roots. When pruning the roots, you can also clean up the dry leaves.

3. Root washing

After pruning, soak the roots in a 1000-fold diluted carbendazim solution for 20 minutes to sterilize and disinfect.

4. Dry the roots

Place the pruned plants in a ventilated and diffused light place to dry for 1 to 2 days to speed up wound healing and prevent black rot during cuttings and transplanting.

5. Potting in moist soil

Choose loose and breathable nutrient soil, spray it to make it moist soil, and transplant the dried plants back into the pots. At this time, they are in the acclimatization period. Avoid direct sunlight and water them 3 to 5 days after transplanting.