smokinrav

When I clean out my 3 gallon pots, it seems that the majority of root growth occurs at the bottom and on the sides. The middle of the medium is fairly crumbly. If there were, say, vertical plates extending up from the bottom 2/3 of the way up the pot, maybe less, would that create a thicker more supportive root mass? Thanks for listening to a newbie...

Addict

I'm not really sure about that but if you try it be careful with the roots, they break easy. About the roots being on the bottom and the sides, I heard that the roots grow as far down as the plant grows up. But if you did put the plates in then you have to take them out after a while otherwise the plant will get rootbound easier. hope this is helpful.

Addie Addict

james_uk

hey,
all plants do this when they are in pots, its just the way things are. although roots are very important, it is not worth the effort to create a better root mass, as when the plant buds, you need a cane to support the plant, as it is top heavy, roots wont make hardly any difference.
james

GntlmnLsr

Your idea wouldn't work the roots grow radialy outward until it hits something and then it grow straight down. that's why there are so many roots on the sides and at the bottom once they get to either place they pretty much stay there. If you really want the roots to fill you potting space completely your best bet would be to do a lot of transplanting so the plant has to fill the area you give it before you give it more room. Is this a good idea? No but but I'm stoned so I told you anyway. have a nice day and drive around