re:CULT: root shaving thoughts

From: Linda Mann <lmann@icx.net>

Chad Schroter, Los Gatos CA Zone 9, wrote:
> I have observed that those [roots] dug from dry soil have
> plumped up - as if they are storing moisture in response to dry soil
> conditions. If I dig iris from damp soil often the roots are narrow and
> stringy.  The plump roots store very well and rejuvenate when replanted. The
> stringy ones are usually dried out and lifeless within a week - and do not
> regrow when replanted. 

(Walter, just put in your earplugs, we are having fun here) 

Verry interesting - I've been out unpotting irises and noticed that a
few had no new growth on old roots (soil fell off when I unpotted them),
but lots of new roots.  Some had lots of fine roots on the old plump
roots, plus new roots, and some mostly had only new growth on the old
roots.  But these came from several locations across the country and I
didn't pay attention to whether the roots were plump or stringy. 
However, I have certainly noticed what you are describing & will pay
more attention next year.  As well as paying attention to what, if
anything, all of this has to do with subsequent survival/performance.

Next year, I am going to experiment with pallida, variegata, and aphylla
to see if there are distinguishing differences in root growth.  For fun.

By the way, all of the roots of rhizomes I've potted have either been
trimmed or squashed to fit a 3 1/2 inch square pot.  So my observations
may not/don't apply to intact root systems.

Linda Mann east Tennessee USA

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