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Repotting an azalea plant

TerryannTerryann Posts: 48
in Problem solving
good morning,  I have done a deal with my neighbour, who loves this pot.  She will buy me a new pot and have this one, tbh I have never really liked it.  As the pot is bulbous shaped, can i cut some of the roots so I can replant in my new pot.  When is best time to do this, flowers are nearly over now. 

Many thanks 
TA

Posts

  • luis_prluis_pr Posts: 123
    edited May 2021
    I normally have propagated via cuttings or via ground layering. Since you are getting rid of the pot (probably soon), there is no time to do ground layering so get several cuttings instead. See more info below:


    Note: azalea roots are shallow, tiny and fibrous, normally located to a depth of just 7-10 cms so try not to disturb them too much.

  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Don't cut the roots,you buy azaleas in flower, I don't think it would cause problems, slightly bigger pot, Ericacious. Compost,put it somewhere sheltered and shady, plenty of water, ideally rain
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Why are you needing to cut roots? Are they growing out of the bottom of the pot?
    If so, then yes - you can trim some off, but you'll need to be sure that the plants well watered first so that the whole rootball is moist enough for you to then get it out of that pot.
    That will be the biggest job. That shape doesn't lend itself to easy extraction.
    Make sure that the new pot has adequate room for it - especially width, as they're not deep rooted. Plant at the same level. 
    You need a soil based compost in the pot, not compost alone. That isn't sufficient if it's staying in a pot long term. Neutral to acidic medium is fine. 
    Water well, and let it recover in a shady spot, and keep an eye on it. It should be fine - they're very tough.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    Hi - you are right, bulbous shaped pots can make it really difficult to get plants out. The advice I've seen on here is a) water well b) saw up and down the sides of the pot with an old bread knife or pallet knife, keeping as close to the sides of the pot as possible and c) hope for the best!
  • TerryannTerryann Posts: 48
    Thanks for the advice, I shall take a few cuttings if I can find non flowering shoots, and try to get it out without cutting off too many roots.  
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