Don't be afraid to cut to loosen some of those roots, giving them a chance to grow out into the surrounding soil to establish the plant. I think I would have cut 1/2" to 1" from all sides and the bottom before hosing it, but now why don't you see if you can pull some of those roots free with your hands, cut them loose where you must. Then soak it again immediately before planting.

Be careful not to plant it any deeper than it was growing in its pot, and slightly higher will be fine. Mulch well after planting (important) and keep it watered as needed until your ground freezes.

Hi Morz8,

I was worried about cutting the roots, not wanting to damage the plant. I see a couple of thick roots, but most are tiny. Is there something that I should avoid? I guess I'm a bit skeevy about actually cutting into the roots. LOL

Thanks for help!

Rhodys grow with a surface network of fine (small) feeder roots, almost pancake like when established in the garden and they will eventually extend out as far as any branches on the plant....those are the small roots you are seeing. I think you've loosened those well enough with your hose. Don't let these dry out while you wait to plant, exposed to air too long and they will be damaged.

If any of the heavier roots are going in a circle that was the shape of the container (around the sides or back up from the bottom), cut them. If you place it in the ground with the roots still encircling, they will continue to grow around and not out or down. The result of that in a couple of years is often a dead plant, it literally chokes itself and won't have become able to take advantage of nutrients and water in the surrounding soil...so you aren't damaging it, but giving it the best chance for establishing.

Now that you've begun, you need to finish and not leave it out of the ground like it is presently...Grab those pruners and cut where you must.