When we buy a potted plant, the most common thing is to find its tight roots, forming a compact “block” with the earth. This happens because in the nursery the plant grew in a limited space and, in search of nutrients, its roots wound around themselves again and again.

When transplanting it to the garden or changing it to a larger pot, many people make the mistake of leaving that block intact. Even there is fear of breaking some of the roots. However, as gardener Felipe Castro (@felipe_quieroverde) explains on Instagram, it may be advisable to break them up a little.

Cut the outermost roots

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In his advice on Instagram, Felipe explains that in the tangle of roots many may be dead or weakened. If they are placed directly in the soil without touching anything, growth will likely be limited as the plant will maintain that compact shape instead of expanding.

Therefore, he recommends intervening carefully, but without fear. With the help of a cutter Superficial roots should be cut or broken, especially the thinnest and driest ones. This action does not harm the plant, on the contrary, it sends the signal to regenerate and produce new, stronger and healthier roots, capable of spreading through the fresh soil.

Step by step to transplant

The procedure explained is easy to apply:

1. Remove the plant with care of your pot.

2. Check the condition of the root ball and detect dry roots or tangled. Remove them without fear.

3. Carefully cut or undo that network of roots, making sure to release the center.

4. Dig a hole that can accommodate the root ball and place a handful of worm castings at the bottom, a natural fertilizer that improves the structure of the soil.

5. Place the plant in the hole, Add more humus around and fill with soil.

With these steps, the plant not only gains a more airy environment, but also a dose of extra nutrients to recover quickly from the transplant.

Why breaking up roots works

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The stimulus that the plant receives by breaking part of its roots translates into a survival response: generates new shoots and extends young roots into the available environment.

Instead of staying in the same mold it was in the pot, it begins to explore and make better use of space and nutrients. This is especially important for nursery plants, which tend to grow in very small containers for long periods of time. The limited space causes the roots to curl up on themselves.

WHY ADD worm castings WHEN TRANSPLANTING

In addition to intervening on the roots, Felipe recommends adding worm castings to the planting hole. This fertilizer is considered one of the best organic fertilizers thanks to its ability to retain moisture, improve aeration and provide slow-release nutrients.

Its use in transplant acts as a immediate reinforcementhelps the plant to establish itself better, reduces the stress of changing from pot to soil and enhances initial growth.

advantages of BREAKING THE ROOTS in the long term

Adopt this method when transplanting It has several advantages:

• Plants develop a extensive root system and healthy.
• They fit better to the new ground.
• They acquire greater drought resistance and environmental stress.
• Its growth is more vigorous and sustained over time.

Even Plants that seemed weakened can show remarkable recovery when applying this technique, as long as it is accompanied by adequate irrigation after planting.

Additional Tips for Transplanting

Although breaking the roots is the axis of the method, There are other practices that complete the success of the transplant:

• Choose the right time: Do it during cooler hours, preferably in the afternoon.
• Avoid excessive initial watering: generous watering after planting is sufficient; Afterwards, it is advisable to maintain humidity without flooding.
• Ensure good drainage: soil that is too compact can ruin the effort, so mix sand or organic matter if the soil is heavy.

Beyond the specific technique, Felipe’s advice conveys a vision of gardening based on practice and observation. It’s about understanding how plants react to what we do with them, and that’s something we can all try.