I am moving two large plants from one container indoors to the great out of doors. They have lived together for 12 years that I know of. Any suggestions to get them apart and survive the move? They have grown to my ceiling several times and are so fat it takes a hack saw to cut them down to they need to be free.
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SF Bay Area
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Re: separate two plants?
Wed, July 14, 2004 - 5:39 PMdamn, that's kinda tricky. some of it depends on what kinds of plants they are. there's a good chance that one or both will go into shock either way. is the issue that the root systems have combined or are the actual "above ground" parts of the plants intertwined as well? -
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Re: separate two plants?
Thu, July 15, 2004 - 9:36 AMJust the roots. Could not tell you what the plants are. One looks similar to a stalk of corn and one has big old leaves. Helpful huh? -
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Re: separate two plants?
Fri, July 16, 2004 - 5:13 AMI think most of those corn-stalky plants have shallow roots, (they live in monsoon land, so when the storm comes they fall over easily without damaging the roots). Most I have had do, anyway. I have seen it recomended to use planting forks (like little pitch forks), a pair of them, to separate the plants. Its cool that they got so big! -
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Re: separate two plants?
Tue, July 20, 2004 - 10:02 AMDeed is done, the kids spent their first night outside and were still standing this morning. We shall see how it goes.
Used a hose and spraid the dirt away used my fingers to untangle the main root system. Seemed to work just fine. Luckily the roots were different colors so it was like tracing a wiring harness. -
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Re: separate two plants?
Tue, July 20, 2004 - 10:15 AMBen... I realize this is after the fact, but you might have dusted the roots with some root hormone before sticking them back in the dirt. its not too late, just pull them out, give them a good dusting all over, and stick them back in. alternately, you could use a stick to poke some holes down around the root base of each plant then pour in some root hormone that you have mixed with water to carry the good stuff down where it is needed. you will get a new burst of roots that will bind them down into their new homes... it has never failed for me when transplanting. -
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Re: separate two plants?
Tue, August 17, 2004 - 4:51 AMThat makes so much sense. really cool tip. thanks!
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