PUSHING THE BORDERS

Due to neglect this palm had become so root bound it had pushed itself out of its pot, as I didn't want to end up with a huge pot I decided to drastically reduce the size of the root ball and hope it wouldn't mind too much!

017 by charliepridham, on Flickr
found the old tenon saw a really useful tool for the job

018 by charliepridham, on Flickr
back in its new home for a year or two, if its works I may use it on a regular basis to keep these palms potted permanently as I don't think they will survive here (Phoenix rupricola x canariensis )

019 by charliepridham, on Flickr

That is brave, I hope it works.

The only time I tried that was with a Brahea armata I bought when I first started out. There were two in the pot so I though I would separate them and just cut down the middle of the rootball. Only to then find the forums that evening which said this palm hated any root disturbance and sure enough both palms sat there for 2 years slowly dieing. :lol: I have far more luck with my root pruning on my succulents.

I have heard of this being done successfully with Phoenix canariensis. I think Dave Brown used to do it regularly to keep the palm to a reasonably sized pot. Phoenix do have a tendancy to push themselves out.

Simon I like your reply better than Chris's!!

I have root pruned my Bald Trachie a couple of times over the years and it hasn't done it any harm so far. I am reluctant to plant it out just in case we move in the next few years then I haven't got the hassle of digging it up again.....mind you I have also thought about selling it a few times ;)

charlie wrote:Simon I like your reply better than Chris's!!

Brahea is a different kettle of fish. They are notorious for not tollerating root disturbance.

Just bumping this to say its had an OK year (not died!) will do a picture update when I get back from Madeira as its about then it will come in for the winter

Rather late with the picture update! Here it is mid Feb

Phoenix x rupricola1 by charliepridham, on Flickr

Not un happy with the outcome as it now looks quite similar to the other one I didn't do

poenix x rupricola2 by charliepridham, on Flickr

It does now mean I can contemplate keeping these potted for a few more years yet :)

It s never harmed my ones charlie. Are you going to give the other a hair cut now ?