Either way will work, but many wet the medium before pulling because the rootball releases itself easier... less root damage.

interesting. honestly I'm trying to avoid pulling up the root ball. I just wanna pull all the dirt out whole, and drop it into a new pot (bucket) and fill in around it. I'm trying to minimize shock since they all currently have pods, and the only thing "wrong" with them is they're in too small of a pot.

I have re-potted all of mine "dry" just for that reason. The potting dirt falls off easy so all that is really left is the plant and roots. Makes it easier to "spread" the roots out.

Either way will work though. Personal preference I believe.

Bill

I agree with robeb.... and Bill. If you can get the whole ball out dry, then that's great, but if not, then wetting helps.

By the way, not breaking up the root ball(like you want to do), will probably set it back even further. The roots will have to fight their way into a new environment. Breaking or "scratching" the ball far outweighs any setbacks you may be anticipating NOT breaking it up.

JMO.

Kevin