Unhealthy roots in a strainer?

[Wulfskaar]

Something I discovered is that, when using peat pots, the soil would dry out super fast. Too fast. I put plastic party cups around them (with no bottom) and they are holding moisture a lot longer. I would agree with the other commenters that putting it a larger pot might help slow down evaporation a bit.

 

[Adair M]

Thanks for the detailed reply adair! i did clear some of the soil to get some free hanging roots. but now i'm unsure if i cleared enough. I didn't clear more as the root ball was very small so i was trying to be a bit more gentle. Maybe if i only "dip-water" tree to make sure it gets saturated all the way through?

No, just give it a LOT more water than you think it needs, especially around the trunk, so that the old root ball absorbs some water.

 

[Shibui]

yes i might do that. its not shaded in the green house tbf. just not as bright as outside. but i think especially being in dark uk i will opt for the pot in pot. So you are saying the outer pot just has gravel in it? would that be just ordinary potting gravel?

My pot in pot shimpaku just have 'plumbers grit' (6mm stones) in the outer pot. That seems to be enough to hold plenty of extra moisture for the roots to grow into. Just having your mesh pot inside something will reduce the evaporation and drying.
I agree with @Adair M about the slip potting. Vastly different soil types in a pot can cause problems. Fingers crossed yours will be OK with the amount you have changed.

 

[Fred1991]

No, just give it a LOT more water than you think it needs, especially around the trunk, so that the old root ball absorbs some water.

I’m curious if you think the dipping technique is bad? Just cus thats what i do now to save on my rain water supply.

 

[sorce]

dipping technique

In your case I wouldn't.

The upward AND downward forces will dislodge your interior easier than just watering from above, which will settle it slower in one direction.

Sorce

 

[Adair M]

I don’t advocate the dipping technique. Except in extreme emergencies, such as leaving on vacation, and your neighbor “forgot” to water your trees... then, soaking them might revive them.

Soaking in water will over saturate akadama, and make it break down faster than it should. Pumice floats, so, it might rise to the top of the pot. And watering multiple plants in the same water spreads pathogens from one to the other.