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alanna_migliacci

Rootmaker/Rootbuilder pots - opinions?

8 years ago

I only recently heard of Rootmaker pots - someone mentioned buying some on ebay and I googled it. I don't know if it's just clever marketing or it's real, but their claims make sense to me and the densely developed root systems look pretty impressive!


As with everything on this forum, there is always a wide variety of opinions. I know most people disagree, but I like growing in terracotta pots for a few reasons. I understand the risks, but I like that they are weighty (it's windy here) and I like that they pull water away from the roots, not to mention the way they look. Plus, just look at all of those old Italian citrus! I don't think they've caused any adverse issues with my citrus. However, I would like my trees to develop the healthiest room system possible to produce more fruit and stay healthy in the difficult container environment. The Rootmaker systems has got me thinking. While, all of my roots are certainly healthy, they do lack that dense branching that the Rootmaker system claims it produces. I find, more often than not (with all of my plants, not just citrus), the roots tend to grow more long and downward, then they branch.


It looks like there are a lot of rootmaker substitutions, as well as possible DIY options, such as drilling a bazillion holes around the sides of any plastic pot.


It seems that the system is geared more towards cuttings/seedlings. Does it make sense to do it with already established trees? Most of my plants are still in small pots, 6-8in.


Anyone have experience or opinions? I am about to repot all of my citrus (plus house plants), so now is the time to do it and any new citrus I order, I would like to start off right.


Thanks for your input and Happy Easter and Passover to everyone.

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