Did a similar thing with my tree-fern the other year . It was extremely root-bound after being in a large pot for a long time . It is five-feet tall . Following a difficult and prolonged extraction from the pot , I literally hacked off 90% of the underground root with a large axe ! Neighbours must have deemed me psychotic !! As you probably know , the 'trunk' of a Dicksonia is actually the root-system in its own right . Anyway , root growth was obviously stimulated because in the Spring of the same year the growth was phenomenal ; seven-foot fronds from tip to tip and the most lush verdant green you could have wished for . It's obviously happier out in the garden now with a 'free root-run' and very regular soakings with rainwater and MiracleGro plant food . I never fear nor doubt that giving plant roots a good 'haircut' does good sometimes .
Lyn Why don't you give one a go ? SW England with its many misty and damp days would maybe be ideal ? Given protection from the winds you may find it would thrive . I've never doubted its hardiness as I've had it twenty plus years and its certainly experienced some low temperatures . Had the opportunity of getting my hands on a large Cyathia the other year , but I passed on that as they ARE tender ; seemed cruel !
I would like to Paul but I’m 960’ , up a hill with no protection from the Dartmoor winds, it’s windy even at the height of summer, anything taller than daisy has to be staked😀I think they’ve got some in a Gardens that are much lower, must have a look, I’ll let you know.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
The last photo shows a typical congested rootball ; when planting out or whenever , just cut through the root by half , disentangle the rest and this will stimulate new and fresh growth underground . The plants will appreciate it !
Are we cutting horizontally i.e. chopping off the bottom half of the rootball? I'm gonna try that next time
Straight through horizontally Stuart , then just loosen the rest and plant up as normal. Obviously any species with a taproot this wouldn't be applicable .
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Following a difficult and prolonged extraction from the pot , I literally hacked off 90% of the underground root with a large axe ! Neighbours must have deemed me psychotic !!
As you probably know , the 'trunk' of a Dicksonia is actually the root-system in its own right . Anyway , root growth was obviously stimulated because in the Spring of the same year the growth was phenomenal ; seven-foot fronds from tip to tip and the most lush verdant green you could have wished for . It's obviously happier out in the garden now with a 'free root-run' and very regular soakings with rainwater and MiracleGro plant food .
I never fear nor doubt that giving plant roots a good 'haircut' does good sometimes .
Why don't you give one a go ? SW England with its many misty and damp days would maybe be ideal ? Given protection from the winds you may find it would thrive .
I've never doubted its hardiness as I've had it twenty plus years and its certainly experienced some low temperatures .
Had the opportunity of getting my hands on a large Cyathia the other year , but I passed on that as they ARE tender ; seemed cruel !
Obviously any species with a taproot this wouldn't be applicable .