Got this ctenanthe knowing it would be rootbound just by looking at it, but i didnt expect it to be this bad. I’ve read u can soak the roots in water for a bit to loosen them or ive even heard that just putting it in a bigger pot as is would be fine. But since its clearly been like this for so long, the plant had grown on top of its so much the leaves at the bottom have no access to light. Not just the bottom pictured here but throughout the entire plant there is an under layer of dying growth. I’m cutting off what i can, but will the plant ever readjust or space itself out on its own? Or will i need to seperate it?
by riverm575
5 Comments
The plant seems fine, you can give the roots a gentle massage here and there to help loosen them up a little, then just place the plant in a bigger pot with more potting mix and just let it be.
I got a hellebore a lot like this this spring, I had never seen such a thing. But just regular loosening of the roots and repotting were fine for it.
https://preview.redd.it/ychgd528htrf1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5520a8188b046075809b3ae4ae04f6522b49bc9a
Saw 1/4-1/3 off the bottom with a very sharp knife and make 1 or 2 vertical slices down the side. Then, put in new medium at least twice the size of the ball. Water well, maybe keep it under a hose or facet on a low trickle for several hours.
It’s not going to “spread out” on its own. You could separate it if you want multiple plants but it isn’t necessary. Old (bottom) leaves will die off regardless of access to the sun. If it were me, I’d just repot in a larger pot and let it adjust to its new environment for a few months before doing anything drastic.
It could benefit from being separated into chunks. The stems are growing so close together they’re choking new growth. Gently wiggle the clumps away from each other to give them some room to spread.