Repotting Cordyline Fruticosa Glauca/Taproot Plant

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Today, I’m going to repot this Cordyline fruticosa ‘Glauca.’ This plant has a taproot, and I have another video explaining what taproots are. This plant needs repotting because it has been in this pot for a while, as you can tell by the roots coming out of the drainage holes. The large, thick root you see here is the taproot.

Repotting this plant won’t be easy due to the taproot, so I’ll have to cut it out of its current pot. The new pot I’ve chosen is only slightly bigger, as I always recommend not to overpot your plants. You want to go up about one pot size, maximum two pot sizes, when repotting. The new pot is long to accommodate the taproot since taproots grow straight down. Common plants with taproots include carrots, where the taproot is actually the part you eat, though that’s not the case with this Cordyline.

As I carefully cut the old plastic pot to free the taproot, I’m making sure not to damage it too much. Taproots can grow quickly, so it’s important to give them enough space to develop. Once I’ve removed the plant from the old pot, you can see that the roots are healthy and firm, which is a good sign.

I’ll be using a Pro-Mix BX soil mix with added pumice for drainage and my Green Gourmet houseplant food. The soil should be moist but not soggy. After placing the plant in the new pot, I’m adding about three inches of soil, which will give the taproot room to grow.

Once the plant is in place, you want the soil to be about a quarter of an inch down from the rim of the pot, so that when you water, the soil doesn’t overflow. I’m also making sure there are no air pockets by tamping down the soil gently.

Now that the Cordyline is repotted, I’ll water it thoroughly. It probably won’t need watering again for about a week as it acclimates to its new pot. You’ll know the plant has adjusted when it starts to put on new growth.

This Cordyline fruticosa ‘Glauca’ looks much better in its new pot, and I’m excited to see how it thrives with the extra space for its taproot. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. And don’t forget to click the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.

FAQs on Repotting Cordyline fruticosa ‘Glauca’

What is a taproot?

A taproot is a large, central root that grows straight down into the soil. It is the primary root from which other roots sprout. Common plants with taproots include carrots and dandelions. For the Cordyline fruticosa ‘Glauca,’ the taproot requires more space to grow.

Why does my Cordyline fruticosa ‘Glauca’ need repotting?

Repotting is necessary when the plant’s roots start growing out of the drainage holes, which indicates that the plant has outgrown its current pot. This is particularly important for plants with a large taproot, like the Cordyline fruticosa ‘Glauca.’

What size pot should I use for repotting?

When repotting, it’s recommended to go up about one pot size, maximum two pot sizes. The new pot should be slightly bigger and deep enough to accommodate the taproot, allowing it to grow straight down without being cramped.

How do I remove a plant with a taproot from its pot?

Removing a plant with a taproot can be tricky. If the root is stuck, you may need to cut the pot to avoid damaging the taproot. Be careful while cutting, as you want to minimize harm to the plant’s root system.

What type of soil should I use for repotting Cordyline fruticosa ‘Glauca’?

Use a well-draining soil mix, such as Pro-Mix BX, with added pumice for improved drainage. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Adding a balanced houseplant fertilizer, like Green Gourmet houseplant food, will also support healthy growth.

How do I know when my plant has adjusted to its new pot?

You’ll know the plant has acclimated to its new pot when it starts to put on new growth. This is a sign that the plant is healthy and has adjusted well to its new environment.

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