Rootballs can be inspected without harming the plant. However, the plant must be established in the container--that is, roots must have grown all through the potting mix--or else much of the rootball will fall apart when the plant is removed from the pot. It is easier to remove the plant from the container when the soil is moist. If your plant is small enough to hold in one hand, put your hand on the soil surface, with the plant stems between your fingers. Invert the container and gently knock the rim on the edge of a table or other firm surface. The rootball will dislodge from the inside of the pot and fall into your hand. To inspect the rootball of a plant that is too large to hold, lay the container on its side, and place a piece of 2x4 or 4x4 lumber across the rim of the container as close to the stem of the plant as possible. Strike the board with a hammer to dislodge the rootball. Slide the plant gently out of the container. Roots will be visible on the outside of the rootball. Healthy roots have many white or tan threadlike tips. These tips are the part of the root system that most actively absorbs water and nutrients. Unhealthy roots have fewer white tips, and the larger roots may be dark and rotting. Dead roots have no white tips.
Related Links
Planting in Containers
Watering Container Plants
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