Root ball trimming - how long before flower?

Can you trim a root ball and throw straight into flower or does she need a little veg time to recuperate? Thanx!

WHat I read on root pruning said that the size of the roots is relevant to the size of the plant. So trimming the tops of your plants is supposed to slow root growth and trimming the roots would slow plant growth until the 2 are balanced. I can't say whether this statement is true or false, but me personally, I would definitely let the plant recuperate for at least a few days to a week ideally 2 weeks just like I do with plants I top.

Just curious as to why you would want/need to trim your plants roots?

I amputate roots by slicing a knife or weed puller right through the root mass. Cut tips then regenerate 2 to 4 new tips and keeps plants from becoming rootbound.

M Dogg said:

Just curious as to why you would want/need to trim your plants roots?

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the real question is, why aren't you? I was scared to do it, then I did it and will always do it from now on, i actually noticed the plants loved it when I do it. it is a technique that really works.

i have never heard of doing it before flowering though, anyone have a link where i can read up a little on it as it has sparked my interest.

You can cut 1/2 your root system off. And yep just like topping your plant to get more tops topping your roots will give your more advantages Roots. The only reason your roots grow so long is there searching for water and nutrients. Since all those things you give the plant it really doesn't need 5 foot long roots. The roots system has a special cell structure that allows water and nutrients to be absorbed through the root. This cell structure is twords the tips of the roots, when you cut all theses off the plants gonna need about 2 weeks to grow new ones, but when it does you'll have a more robust root system that's closer to the plant. It will stunt you plant.
you can research more by reading "Bonsia root pruning" there's lots of books on it.

Enlighten me dude, I'm still a bit confused...

well i get the concept of it just not sure why its usefull right before flowering a plant. the roots are just going to grow back into the pot again and seems like its wasted time.

i know people do it with revegging and thats the only time i have seen a use for it until now.

RetiredMatthebrute said:

well i get the concept of it just not sure why its usefull right before flowering a plant. the roots are just going to grow back into the pot again and seems like its wasted time.

i know people do it with revegging and thats the only time i have seen a use for it until now.

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Your right. When I was doing hydro I'd cut 1/2 the root system in the middle of veg to control plant height.
Never know, there might be an advantage with maybe the plant not stretching in flower. There might be a reduction in yeild also. Since the plant is stressed. And than it might not do anything but slow the plant down for a couple weeks.
The other good thing I can think of us your gonna have 2x's the amount of roots than can absorb water and nutrients. Just like topping the plant "cutting one will get you two"

M Dogg said:

Enlighten me dude, I'm still a bit confused...

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Well, the reason is I left my plant in veg in a smaller pot for a bit too long - 1 gallon.... I am worried it is already root bound. When I water it, literally soaking it, most of the water weight is runoff almost immediately. I figure might be advantageous to trim the roots back a little before repotting and putting in flower. Or I can just repot - any suggestions appreciated.

Is that your only plant? If so I would just transplant.
if its not your only plant. Then I would try a light root prunig before you transplant to a bigger pot.
See what happens, your not going to kill it if you don't go crazy.
And veg for a couple of weeks.

topfuel29 said:

Is that your only plant? If so I would just transplant. if its not your only plant. Then I would try a light root prunig before you transplant to a bigger pot. See what happens, your not going to kill it if you don't go crazy. And veg for a couple of weeks.

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Okay... Thanks... I think I'll just transplant her and see what happens.

copied from uncle bens tips and tricks,

• Upcanning (repotting) - Score the rootball - pop the ball out and using a razor blade or sharp knife insert it about ½" into the rootball at the top and slice thru the exposed roots from top to bottom concentrating on any root spinout at the bottom. Rotate the rootball and do this about 4 times. Bury the “trunk” as deep as you can even if it means pulling off some of the lower leafsets. This will induce root output all along the buried trunk.
  
  
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  • By cutting vertically you are eliminating root spinout and inducing root branching within the rootball, behind the cut. IOW, you are trying to induce lateral root branching. This is only recommended if you have a case of spinout.​