Hello! I just bought a large NIP at the shop today and just have a few quick questions as the one I bought last year didn't make it for reasons I now know.

This tree is rather root bound. I can stick my finger in the soil and immediately feel little tangles of roots. It's in a 1.6 gallon pot but I think it also has smaller trees in along with the main tree, if that makes sense. Should I repot the entire thing or try to separate the other trees into their own pots? (I'll insert images at the end of the post)

Also, the top of the main tree had been cut before I bought it. Will this cause any issues? (Pictures at the end)

And lastly, do these respond to grow lights? I have a small set up for my other plants (Orchid, Philodendron, Peparomia, Rubber Tree, Asparagus Fern, and some random Succulents) I do have a enclosed porch where it would get plenty of light, but it can get fairly chilly in the winter out there.

And if anyone can tell me how to get that horrid glitter off of it, I'd be forever grateful.

I think it is best to leave the roots undisturbed. That you can feel roots spread through the soil is a good thing. Your NIP's growth rate is likely to slow down now that it is in reduced light and that means its root growth will also slow down.

If you try to separate the individual plants, you will likely damage some of the roots. It is okay to leave the smaller plants in the pot, but if you don't the way it looks, then you can cut them off at the soil line, but leave the roots alone.

Cutting off the growing tip may cause that stem to slowly die, but there is nothing you can do about it.

Very bright overhead fluorescent lights may help some, but your NIP will need as much natural light as you can provide.

What he said.

If you do want to eventually separate the individual plants, I would wait until the spring it warms up and the plant(s) are getting into active growth. Otherwise, now is a bad time to do that.

As for the glitter, maybe put it in the shower (or if your area is warm enough outside under a sprayer) and letting that wash it off? Dunno. I feel your pain - I hate glitter.

We (I work at a Home Depot) just got s pile of NIP's in last week. The big ones--as well the smaller ones in 6" pots. I feel for them all.....
#1--they are pot-in-pot with no drainage. Watering is a challange. Most of the associated would not know to check on this. Glad I do....

#2--YES! They are decked out and some are glittered.
You can also buy the ones NOT glittered--just with some ornaments and red Bows.

Pease know that most people do not buy the NIP's around the Holidays to have them as house plants.
Most buy them as a Holiday decoration--OR--the elderly Folks buy them to use as mini-Christmas trees.
Most of them end up just sitting there and get tossed at the end of the Holidays. Such is life...... Gita