Question
Yesterday I started to repot a Chinese Evergreen I received as a gift. It was purchased at a  Lowe's Home & Garden store. When I got the plant out of the pot it came in I found the roots were sectioned into 2 groups, each group was kept together by a small plastic cup with holes in the bottom and slits on the sides. What are these things? Will they hurt the plant or stunt growth? Should I take them off? If I should, what would be the best way to do it ? I did remove the cup off the smaller group of roots but the roots are in too tight on the larger group. Thank you for your time.
Melina

Answer
Hi Melina,

The plastic containers are used by many growers to hold a small amount of moist soil around the cuttings when they are first being rooted. Once the roots have developed, some growers remove these plastic holders while others leave them in place. The roots should be able to grow out through the side slits and are not a problem for the development of the plant. I suggest that you leave them in place and put the plant back into its original pot.

The growers usually have plants potted correctly for optimum growth because it is in their interests to grow their plants as quickly as possible.

If you don't like the appearance of the pot that it came in, then you can place this pot inside a slightly larger and more attractive pot.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating and nomination.