Jesterian

Hi all! I'm new to the forum and had a few questions. Assuming a person was using 4 inch clay pots (with drainage holes on the bottom), when would you expect the plants to outgrow the pot? How can they tell when the root structure is at its limit for the pot? Would you expect to be able to ascertain sex of the plant while it was still in a 4 inch pot, or is that just out of the question?

BullDozeThePJs

clay pots are no good, they absorb water. I would think its a case by case basis, if the plant looks root bound transplant it, if you dont know the signs of it being root bound then there is more reading to be done. You could always avoid this issue and plant directly into the ground.

Jesterian

As far as the clay pots, there was a cost issue, and these plants get plenty of water.

How would one check to see if the roots are circling around each other? Does anyone have an estimation on how large the plants can grow in that size pot without their roots being constricted?

Also, on a tangent, I was reading that burlap sacks are much better growing mediums.. What would be a good place to find those?

Duner

You'll notice that your plant(s) has slowed growth and/or perma drooping leaves when it gets rootbound...you will notice a change. You could even see the roots poking out the drainage holes, transplanting to a bigger pot isn't going to hurt any though and it will help you get a bigger root structure if you're planning on putting them outside.

Burlap sacs...maybe a feed supply store, or a nursery.

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Jesterian

Would waiting till the roots poke out of the drainage holes be too late? Or can the plants be transplanted as soon as the roots poke out and be healthy?

Duner

I wouldn't, or couldn't advise to wait till they poke through...transplanting them into a bigger pot can happen whenever you want it to, some people just start them in the pots they stay in. I have waited until they poked through before, although they grew just fine afterward they're was noticable damage on the lower leaves....along with being rootbound you will eventually run out of nutrients in the soil, my damage was caused by both being rootbound and a lack of nitrogen.

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origref

You can estimate it too. A 4" pot will be fairly root bound in 2 weeks, easy. A 6" might last a three weeks, max. And on you go. Just try and use the pot they will stay in for their whole life if possible. I personally would recommend 2gal minimum to start but preferably a 5-15 gal. or more.

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g13laze

I will just say that if you start your seedlings in a container too large (i.e. 5gallon bucket) you will have slow and tedious plant growth.......

Start smaller then transplant into something bigger before you begin flowering

So I say your 4inch clay pots are fine for the 1st phase but will eventually need to be transplanted

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Jesterian

These plants were being sprouted and grown to the point where they were strong in the pots, then transplanted into the ground at a guerilla site.

I was wondering how long it would be before they needed to be put into the ground. So at 2-3 weeks after sprouting, the plants should definitely be out of the pots and into the earth, huh?

MrHydro

Wait until your roots explode the pot, then you know that you have a good plant that's worth flowering!

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