How to prolong veg time in small squares?

[goalie]

I got some plants vegging in the small squares (using promix). I think they are half gallon pots. What i'm trying to do is prolong their stay in these little pots for an other couple of weeks until the flowering room is ready.

Now someone told me if i keep them in there too long the roots will start to rot. Is there any truth to this? If so what if i was to cut the plant about half. Will that slow the root growth while its repairing the damage?

the red lines are about where i want to cut them. Thats about where i can get 3 clones off each plant

 

[imnotcrazy]

People keep Bonsai Moms in soil/mixes for months at a time. They use small pots like you are using, and trim 14" off all sides before transplant into the same size containerf If you were to upsize the container for transplant I wouldn't see the need to trim the roots. They'll probably just need more water/nutes if they get rootbound. Just let them tell you what they need by pot weight etc. If you guess I could see where rot could become an issue, but If they need more water/nutes more often, they'll let you know.For example, I had some seedlings vegging and as soon as they showed a MG/Ca deficiency, they went into my bigger veg E&F tray where there is stronger nutes, and they looked better in a few hours. You can do alot to them and they'll take it and bounce back if you don't let the problem run away from you.

 

[Guest]

Soil rot will occur if you overwater them, but the pot size will control the plant growth. Once they get rootbound, they will stop growing in size.

 

[imnotcrazy]

^^ I guess that's what I was trying to say, But I grow E&F so I can only say what I know from experience for sure.

 

[goalie]

how can i overcome rootbound-ness (if at all) to plant them down the road into bigger pots ...rip off some roots?

 

[Dr.NO]

Jumblyjoes right. Letting plants get rootbound is like putting them in a sort of stasis. They don't grow they just stay the same until you're ready you just transplant them. The roots will get less white but they won't rot unless they're always soaked since they need some oxygen.

 

[Dr.NO]

If they're rootbound in small pots then you transplant them into bigger pots they won't be rootbound anymore. No ripping of roots needed.

 

[OGDread]

If you want to keep them short, dont overpot to a bigger pot, but take it out, chop the bottom half of the roots, and repot in the same small pot. It will stop growing, make roots, grow a little, and once rootbound again stop growing again. Feed with a mild veg solution to not let it die.

 

[Guest]

If they're rootbound in small pots then you transplant them into bigger pots they won't be rootbound anymore. No ripping of roots needed.

What he said.

No ripping (that might stress the plant)

Just drop into bigger pot with more fresh dirt. I usually moisten the fresh dirt so the ball of roots (that are OH so ready to dig more) have a goal