Every Woman Should Know This Technique for Growing Plants in Pots

✂️ How to Root Prune a Potted Plant: Step-by-Step

1. Remove the Plant from the Pot
   Gently tip the plant out of its pot. If it’s stubborn, tap the sides of the pot or squeeze it (if plastic) to loosen the soil.
2. Inspect the Roots
   Look for signs of overcrowding—roots circling the edge of the root ball, growing out the drainage holes, or forming a thick mat.
3. Trim the Roots
   Using clean scissors or pruning shears, trim back the outer 1/4 to 1/3 of the root ball. Don’t worry—this won’t hurt the plant. Focus on cutting away long, stringy, or densely tangled roots.
4. Loosen the Remaining Roots
   Gently tease apart the inner roots with your fingers to encourage outward growth once replanted.
5. Refresh the Soil
   Add fresh potting mix to the bottom of the original pot or a slightly larger one. Place the plant back in and fill around it with more soil, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets.
6. Water Thoroughly
   Give your plant a deep watering to help it settle in. You may want to keep it out of direct sun for a day or two to reduce transplant shock.

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🌼 When to Root Prune

• Annually for perennials: Once a year, typically in early spring before the growing season kicks in.
• Every 6–12 months for fast-growing plants
• When repotting into a larger container
• When you notice signs of being root-bound (e.g., poor growth, roots poking out, water not absorbing properly)

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💡 Pro Tip:

For herbs like mint or oregano that spread aggressively, root pruning helps keep them manageable and thriving. Try pruning after harvests or when repotting for the best results.