Takshaka

I'm growing in a 7 gallon bubbler with holes for 6 plants (I have less floor space than 'air' space). I realise that this is small for the number of plants, but there will be fewer when the males are removed.

What I am wondering is if I can regularly trim the plants roots so that they have enough space and so that they don't get tangled in each other (and make it difficult to remove the males without leaving dead roots behind).

So my questions are, how extensively can the roots be trimmed without causing problems? Which parts of the root can/can't I trim? How regularly can this be done?

Thanks

lab_rat_x

konichewa tashaka,

when i had a serious root issue, i trimmed off about 12", and left a 4" stump of roots hanging off the bottom of my plant with about few weeks left till harvest. this was an extreme measure. and i was still able to get a healthy harvest. so,------>imho<------ i would imagine that you can trim them as often as they need it. just don't start at the top!!! and, as long as you trim the bare minimum, it shouldn't effect the growth rate hardly at all.

most soil plants are tall as their roots are long. roots in a hydro solution really don't have to search for nutes, because they are present all the time and completely envelopes the root itself top to bottom, unlike soil, where most root growth is directed towards and by its' food source. its the way i understand it....
-=00=-

__________________
We create nothing, express nothing; we only discover or uncover what is already there.

Takshaka

Thanks Labrat. I didn't think it would be safe to do that late in harvest so that's good news. Did you notice any drop in yield? Was there any shocking? Did you just chop it off 4 inches down?

Does anyone else have any experience or knowledge of this?

cheers

OzGrowa

Gudday folks,
Trimming the roots in a hydro situation causes very little ill effects providing you dont hackthe main tap root near the top, a crop will cause new dendritic root growth and proliferation, its a good thing and can really kick the plants off if the roots have had problems.

The comments about the hydro nutrients being present the whole time are also spot on, the roots dont need to search, its already there!

good stuff people,
OzGrowa

Takshaka

Thanks OzGrowa.

So as long as I don't cut the tap root too short (leave at least 4 inches?), I'll be able to do this regularly (every 2-4 weeks). That's very good news.

If this is causes so little stress to the plants why isn't it done more often in hydro? It seems to be an excellent way to reduce the neccessary size of the container especially with a bubbler and especially when growing more than 1 plant in the same container.

cheers

lab_rat_x

drop in yeild? don't know, only had one plant..hehe! and yeah, there was a bit of shock for mine, i cut off alot! and my plant had a serious issue, which just made it worse, but recovery was really quick, and growth picked right on up. my nute level was about 4" below the bottom of my 3" net pot, and every part of the root mass that was submerged, right up to the waterline, was encased in this mass white gel, with airhole like swiss cheese made from my airpump output, is was nasty and freakly to look at, i attempt to rinse it off, but nothin worked. so out came the surgical scissors, and i left as much as i could, i didn't want to recontaminate my new nutes, so i gave it a flat level trim, fanned it out, set the nute level to an inch below the net pot, in she went. no hasssles no fuss, just a whole lot of prayin!.... while i anticipate next grow, i'll see how clones respond to root trimming, try to keep them about 3" above the bubbler, and some shorter. enjoy your grow!
-=00=-

__________________
We create nothing, express nothing; we only discover or uncover what is already there.

Phantom

This was my ? based on the above, as clones tend to not have a main taproot.
I've got a four plant DWC with 3 in it at the moment 2 of which are already partially harvested. The plan is to give the third plant a few more days to finish up a bit more then trim all back and add a another clone to the fourth pot before revegging. Would be good to give all the current plants a good root trim whilst giving the crate a clean and have them ready for a second go round

Phantom
Ghost Who Smokes

Awake204

Hey LabratX...
What do you think caused that white gel that encased your roots?

_Awake204

malibu

photo borrowed from LRX's post about root snot - OzGrowa gives a description about the fungus etc.

after having transplanted from 2 weeks in soil while I put together pvc/sprayers/etc.
I did separate a small clump of roots dripping down in one 5" netpot and guide them between and through the clay balls so they'll get more air.

this rootsnot gel might be easier to keep off with an aero unit than DWC ? - I don't know.

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