Thanks to M3rma1d . If you hadn't told me about how to

14 years ago

Could you share that wonderful advice about repotting the semis and minis with me? I saw your lovely pics posted throughout the gallery and also this comment by the posting of the pic with the tray of gorgeous minis and semis( commented on that you gave her good advice on repotting otherwise she would have killed them). I would GREATLY appreciate that info since I am VERY new to these little guys and want to try to have them look as good as yours in your pics. Thanks so much in advance, Linda in Nj

Comments (8)

m3rma1d
14 years ago
Hi there.

I was flattered when she wrote that, and I am now, but I must say I still don't think my advice was all that spectacular... Just let them dry out a bit so you can get as much of the old soil off as possible, take off the crappy bottom leaves, then then repot (usually in the same size pot, since minis won't be going "up" in size)

Have fun! :-)
planthoarder
Original Author
14 years ago
That is good advice, I was wondering when it came time to repot,How am I gonna get all the dirt off those roots?
Thanks a bunch, Linda in NJ
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nwgatreasures
14 years ago
Linda,
I take my tweezers and poke/pull at the soil mix around the roots and just keep picking till it's off as much as I want. Sometimes I will chop the roots with my exacto knife if the root ball is too large.

Dora
bspofford
14 years ago
One of my favorite tools at repotting time is a pickle fork! For those of you too young to remember, they are much smaller than a dinner fork, and were used in the pickle tray set out at mealtime.....

For larger plants, I use a regular fork to gently 'comb' the soil out of the roots. I use the pickle fork on semis and minis.

Barbara
fred_hill
14 years ago
Hi Linda,
Sometime fingers are the best thing you can use. I tend to work the root ball in my hand and use my fingers to coax off much of the mix. I had a fellow grower who liked to say that she tickeled the soil off the roots.
BTW where in NJ are u?
Fred in NJ
planthoarder
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi Fred, I'm in woodbridge NJ sorry my computer has been down for atleast 4 weeks.my son just got it up and running again.
Thanks for all the GREAT advice.I will try them all and see what works best for me. Linda in NJ
fred_hill
14 years ago
Linda,
Are you a member of a club? If not and you are interested there are a number of clubs in NJ that you might consider. Probably the closest one would be Central Jersey which meets in Matawan. If you need more info email me and I will send it out to you or check the AVSA.org site under affiliates.
Fred in NJ
Peggy Bishop_McVay
14 years ago
I am no where near the two of you but had to put in my 2cents worth on tools to use ... those funny little picks that come with the nut crackers that are everywhere around the holidays. They are great little shovels and picks for working with all of the seedlings and babies I have around the house. again ... just my 2cents Happy New Year!!!