Smart Pot Problem

BigPapaPepper · Jun 3, 2012

Has anyone else had this issue with their smart pots? I got some three gallon pots to try out since the guy at the plant store said they were optimal. I was told that the roots would grow better as the walls redirect them to grow inside. I was moving plants around today and noticed the roots growing out of the bag on my 7 pot jonah. It is a 3 gallon pot and i know it is better to have a larger container for these guys but i did not know this would happen. Could someone please recommend what action i should take? I am a noob

armac · Jun 3, 2012

Root ball too large for container.

SocalChilehead · Jun 3, 2012

Wow that sucks I thought Smart pot were suppose to air prune as well.

Justaguy · Jun 3, 2012

I say let it go if the plant looks fine, but I have never had that issue or used the airpots.

fireface · Jun 3, 2012

Was that part of the pot not in direct contact with air? If it was pushed up against another container or something, the roots wouldn't be air pruned. I use smart pots and i've never had that issue

Joshuap2000 · Jun 3, 2012

Your fine, only time i had roots growing was out the bottom of the pot from direct contact with the ground. its normal and just let them be.I got some in 3 gallons myself, and they are just fine. Like you, i know 5 gallons are better, but space wise they are going good.

But the ones come out the side, could be blocking the air like fireface said. You are good and nothing bad will happen.

That's just my .02 cents

jedisushi06 · Jun 3, 2012

you should be fine.

BigPapaPepper · Jun 3, 2012

You guys are correct. It was pressed up against another container as well as the ground. This is probably why it's happening. I will just know to keep them spaced out. Glad to hear it shouldn't be a problem! Thanks for the help and information everyone.

FarmerGuy · Jun 3, 2012

Don't worry, you have no problem. Humidity has probably been >65% in that area of the bag and the roots went at it. I use a similar method but with much smaller "pots" (it's a tube actually, only 4.5" in diameter). Things seem to be going along just dandy:

growgearspokane · Jun 4, 2012

Thats awesome in my book! Root explosion

Cyan · Jun 5, 2012

You don't have a problem. As others have pointed out there was simply more humidity in areas where roots grew out of the pot.

This statement however
" I was told that the roots would grow better as the walls redirect them to grow inside"
Covers a standard plastic type pot. You want the air pot because it doesnt redirect roots inside, it kills off root tips to encourage more root expansion. From that picture you can see that its working by preventing the roots from curving along the inside of the walls and becoming root bound.

AlabamaJack · Jun 5, 2012

I would highly recommend repotting to at least a 7 gallon container...you wanna see growth explosion?....that's the ticket...