Encouraging root growth on transplants?

subnet_rx

How do you encourage root growth instead of leaf/branch growth on a new transplant? Should I be concerned that it's putting out new leaves that may or may not be able to be supported by the handicapped root system it has? I've been cutting branches to reduce evaporation surface, but this thing is bursting with new buds after about 3 weeks in a pot.

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mor

Fertilizing them and pruning does encourage new growth

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Mcspeed

Typically these days it is considered a bad myth that the foliage needs to be reduced when roots are reduced. Leaving the foliage is acting as a catalyst to push the roots to grow.

Pruning will stimulate new growth so that one could be a little conter productive, not sure if that doesn't go against my first thoughts though.

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ficusfanatic

i, personally, am happy when a transplant starts growing. it's a good thing. remember plants get their energy from the sun via leaves and it needs more energy to grow the new roots you want.

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Vance Wood

You are obsessing about nothing. If the tree is growing as you describe it is producing new roots as a matter of nature. However if you keep removing top growth you could in turn stress the root system and cause yourself some grief. Give it some time it will balance itself out.

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