Wilfred;Melissa et al, can anyone advise exactly how to go about trimming the roots of an adenium? I looked at a few links Melissa provided but it's still not clear. Is it possible to trim the tops and the roots on the same day;then hang it in the shade for a month or so. Or, should the roots be trimmed first, rest it (how long?) then trim the top and rest again? I think it was Mr Ko who suggests a 60 day period letting it hang in the shade.

Jim I have never trimed roots so sorry I cannot help but I trim tops all the time if they get too leggy, and this happens in the winter when they are indoors, I simply cut the top off and let it heal.

I've done the same with mine that are planted in the soil, but I'm so envious of some of the plants I see from Ko and others that I'd decided I want to get frisky and see if I can get even bigger caudexes and smaller bushy plants. I'm fairly sure I can't do that with the ones I have in the ground. I'll probably end up killing 20 or more (I'm a slow learner) but I've done the hand pollinating thing successfully, and I think root trimming is my last frontier. so any and all advice is thankfully appreciated.

Jim
as far as i have read from adenium breeders and show people Yes you can and its a great practices to trim roots and stems at same time the amount of time you hang really depends on the size of caudex and if you like to trigger into blooming. THe people that are in competition know how long to hang and plant at the perfect time they ert. then water just for the correct amount of days and this kicks the plant to bloom. they say a lot of times it blooms with no leaves. just make sure the roots all have callous before you plant or they rot. it could be a few good hot days or a few months. hope this helps

mike

Jim look over this site lot of good pics and info...www.adeniumsindia.com

Thanks Mike, I was leaning toward clipping both at the same time; now I feel better about what I'm attempting to do. I've seen that website but I found it confusing. I'll probably have more questions as I go along. For right now I'm figuring on hanging them for nearly a month depending how they heal.

i have joined an Adeniums Talk thread on facebook and they show and take some fabulous pictures of the root pruning. They also show the plants hanging. It can take several months for this to trigger the blooming, but they sure do have some great pictures...

Jim i hang my larger caudex for 1-3 months med 1 month and small few weeks just keep squeezing the caudex thats its energy store if it starts to wrinkle and soft (you know not mush) you need to pot.. you will do fine and after a few months when it comes in to its glory you are going to sit back and say WOW why did i wait so long!!!
keep us informed if you can do any pics please if not at least let us know.

mike

Thank you Charleen & Mike, Charleen I've seen so many pictures from sites that Melissa posted that I just have to give this a try. I've also remembered that I haven't tried grafting yet;so I want to do that also. I've been carrying a grafting pocket knife with me for over a year, now that I've made a decision to graft; I've lost the knife I can't imagine where it could be, guess I'll just buy another. Today I'm considering a trip to Fairchilds or possibly the place in Homestead just for the ride. Have a great day everyone.

Jim, didn't you try to grow one on a cd ???? I have just started cutting and got one I need to prune I thin.
Before

After

Then I potted the tops


Here are the tops




Any ideas, anyone??? what would you do with this????

I love the looks of the root, if it were mine I would cut all those long thin stems to about 4 inches

Charleen, the bottom picture with the neat roots isn't one you planted on a C.D. right? I don't see any three stemmed plants above. But;no I never did the C.D.thing. I've filed it under "wouda" "coulda" "shoulda" , That's the name of one of my sons

Ridesredmule said:Jim, didn't you try to grow one on a cd ???? I have just started cutting and got one I need to prune I thin.
Before

After

Then I potted the tops


Here are the tops




Any ideas, anyone??? what would you do with this????

they look great the last has such a great caudex looks like 4 stems i would trim the middle 2 smallest even with the caudex and let seal. the 2 bigger outer ones look like they where trimmed before and grew right from the cut. so i would cut at about 4 in . and when they start to grow pinch tips after about 4 more inches to try to get 2 stems to bush...but thats my idea and plant it about where you had it before looks like not to deep but get the feeder roots under soil line for about 2 more years.

keep informed!

Let me show you what I did....I went onto Facebook and one of the guys on there told me how he would do it. Well, don't be too shocked!!! But I do love it!!!!



This is my Favorite view.
I love it!!! Now do you all think I goofed??? I now have to be patient, that is hardest part. i am trying to root all the clippings....I'll get you pictures....

Charleen;I think you will find the cuttings easy to root. I'd let them rest a week or so then wet the bottom and dip it in root hormone, I've used plain dirt, also garden mix. they were both OK but the garden mix was a tad better. Oh, and remind me to never ask you to cut my hair

great job i like the way you did it

Oh, JIM. I trim my Husbands hair and he is nearly bald and that's before I trim it....
Thank you My Friends....

I like the way you did it too; you know I was just kidding right?

Sure I do!!! I knew you'd have something to say, that's why we all love each other.
I have to go out and check on her this morning. I have her under my Oak tree, most danger to her is dag gum squirrels. I took the tops and put them in pots too. I'll get you pics.....