Will this be a problem?

[MicroDude]

I couldn't find a small pot to bonsai in so I am using something I found in the cupboard. Its 2 glad containers stacked. The overflow drains into the bottom then evaporates back into the soil. It was nothing I planned on doing but seems to be working well. Now I am having roots coming through the bottom. Will my roots become damaged swimming around in that water? Its maybe 3mm deep initially then begins to evaporate. Should I just nip the roots that come through the bottom or let them go? Or should I get a new container and drill drain holes on the side instead of the bottom. Here is a couple pics.

 

[Green Supreme]

Roots don't like being exposed to light. Good luck. Peace GS

 

[MicroDude]

Roots don't like being exposed to light. Good luck. Peace GS

So you think I need a tape job? I I will be sure to do that. Besides the light issue, they good to go? need to be trimmed up?

 

[cork144]

some plants dont care if lights on the roots, some do.

 

[ourcee]

no need to trim roots, they will automatically do that, infact DONT trim your roots.

 

[MicroDude]

no need to trim roots, they will automatically do that, infact DONT trim your roots.

This is going to be a Bonsai mom. So I will be cutting roots. I figured it didn't matter if I cut it now or in 3 months.

 

[FrankRizzo]

While some people will argue that roots don't like light, I think you can find plenty of examples here that show roots have no problem growing in the light. Without getting into it you'll be fine without covering that "pot." One other container you could consider is a bottom part of a milk/orange juice container. I think the half gallon size might work well.

 

[MicroDude]

Are you talking about the cardboard style containers? That's a good idea. Squares fit together better than ovalish rectangles. lol

 

[FrankRizzo]

You could use the the cardboard board ones. I was think of something more like this:

You would be able to use this type of thing longer. The cardboard may break down over time.

 

[FRIENDinDEED]

While some people will argue that roots don't like light, I think you can find plenty of examples here that show roots have no problem growing in the light. Without getting into it you'll be fine without covering that "pot." One other container you could consider is a bottom part of a milk/orange juice container. I think the half gallon size might work well.

i have to second that. ive got nothing but roots and im using some clear containers i found for a steal at a dollar store

MicroDude - just drill alot more holes in the bottom of that first container though and you should be ok

 

[MicroDude]

I had a bit of a panic and scrapped the second tub to hold the run off. I noticed on one of the roots something that looking like fur. I would assume it was some sort of mold forming. It could have also been quite normal for a root to look like that. I only noticed it on 2 of the 6 or so roots coming through. So I pinched them off and now just sit it on the lid of the tub. So there is no more mini resevior. I would like to go back to the 2 tubs. Maybe if I cut holes in the second tub near the top it would have air circulate. But I am no fungus expert... if that is even what it was.

 

[Guest]

I had a bit of a panic and scrapped the second tub to hold the run off. I noticed on one of the roots something that looking like fur. I would assume it was some sort of mold forming. It could have also been quite normal for a root to look like that.

MicroDude the DIY mentality with using what is laying around puts a smile on my face. Better safe than sorry, but imo that fuzz was the root hairs. Root hairs are normal and indicate a thriving root system. The catch pan was essentially providing additional space for roots to grow, so they were doing just that. They were growing out of the drainage holes into the additional space provided to grow. They will not grow out of the drainage holes if they do not have an inviting environment. Roots grow where they are comfortable and happy.

 

[MicroDude]

That's why I said panic. I pinched them first and looked for info second. I need to find some good pics of root hairs to be sure, but if that's what it is ill be going back to the second tub.

 

[MicroDude]

You were right. Root hairs. So no more root pruning for me. I am going to go back to the 2nd tub till paranoia sets back in.