cutting VERY large roots in Ficus

hi Guys,

I would like to know, after you cut a very large roots in ficus ( that was in the ground ) - let's say diameter of 10+ cm
what do you do :
1. put rooting hormone ?
2. put some cutting paste ?
3. leave it as is

my concern is that the bottom of this roots ( the area that is cut ) will be located in the bottom of the pot - the place that is usually more wet...
and I do not want that rot will start

10x,
alon

I guess it depends on your soil mix. The biggest I've cut is only 1" and I did not put any on it. My soil is mostly turface with some sphagnum/peat moss mixed in it.

BTW, I read an article by Rob Kempinski about root cuttings and I saved the 2 Nerifolia/Salicaria roots and stuck them in soil. Seems like they are ready to sprout now. Something to consider doing if you are cutting 10 cm dia roots I think.

Good luck!

Hi.
Don't put anything on it. New smaller roots will grow in that cut area again, just be sure you used a very good fast draining soil medium. It's a ficus anyway and you are in a hot climate, so the tree won't mind it. it is one if not the toughest plant specie. So don't worry.

regards,
jun

if we look on a big cut root from the buttom we will see a circle
new finer roots will come out of the edges of this circle

but what will happen to the inside of the circle - it is mostly dead wood - won't it rot ?

hope i've managed to explain myself

I'd guess it will behave like a cut branch and will have an "uro" or rotten center or if the plant is aggressive enough, will try to heal over the cut. Being underground, I would guess it will be an uro/rotten core though. Sealing the inner/woody part is an option for you if you want to minimize the rotting.

Here in Florida I can never recall seeing anyone seal roots and I have cut Ficus roots with a power saw or a wood chisel.