Results of Root Pruning with MicroKote

picture on the left is a plant grown in a 1 gallon pot painted with MicroKote. The one on the right and untreated 1 gal pot. These plants were repotted in 5 gallon buckets today. Should have done it sooner but I wanted to be able get some good pics. MicroKote is an alternative to Griffin Spin Out and is readily available in 1 gal containers from http://www.horticulturespecialties.com/

I'ts pretty easy to see that the plant on the left from a painted pot is better developed than the one with the untreated pot and the roots encircling it. Both plants are the same age
Cheers

Nice job. I take it the 52 bucks was all worth it. That is something that I have to put on my list to try.

iloveit said:

What is "MicroKote" & what is the purpose of this product

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It is a liquid that you paint on the inside of your pots that prunes any roots that come into contact with it. This makes the roots form secondary roots and makes for a smaller but much healthier root system. Check out mogie's thread on here (even though it was stolen from Uncle Ben) where it shows the results with griffon's spin out which is a similar product. Thanks for the link and result pics bdonson

Here is another link for info about MicroKote. http://www.nipanllc.com/ The only reason I tried it was because it's not possible for me to get Spin-Out in 1 gallon containers. I can get MicroKote shipped to me no problem. Results speak for themselves. Props to Uncle Ben who got me started down this road. Cheers

nice results bro!!

would making some cuts on the side and bottom of soil when transplanting be the same concept as this?

blunted1588 said:

would making some cuts on the side and bottom of soil when transplanting be the same concept as this?

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No, you would damage your root system, delay growth and your roots would still waste energy circling the pot in addition to feeding the plant. Do a search for spin out and read up. Cheers

bdonson, UB actually recommends to score the roots when you transplant

I have scored rootballs for 40 years. It will induce branching. Whatever method you use.... a knife, copper root tipping termination compounds, air pruning....it all serves the same function - inducing a fibrous root system that increases uptake of water and salts.

How long does the Microkote last? How many grows can you do in one pot before needing to use a new one?

yes, does the coating last more than one planting?

bdonson said:

picture on the left is a plant grown in a 1 gallon pot painted with MicroKote. The one on the right and untreated 1 gal pot. These plants were repotted in 5 gallon buckets today. Should have done it sooner but I wanted to be able get some good pics. MicroKote is an alternative to Griffin Spin Out and is readily available in 1 gal containers from http://www.horticulturespecialties.com/

I'ts pretty easy to see that the plant on the left from a painted pot is better developed than the one with the untreated pot and the roots encircling it. Both plants are the same age
Cheers

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Are these 2 plants clones from the same mother? Were they otherwise identical when transplanted (same size/amount of root development)?

By the way, wicked cool test.. Thank you for sharing (I love seeing stuff like this).

Both plants were from seed and you should get 3 grows at least out of a treatment. I roughed up the inside of my 5 gal buckets and then wiped them down with isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue that might keep the MicroKote from sticking. ~ gal should treat several dozen containers. Cheers

Very cool. I should have a few pics to follow soon. My buddy has been using this stuff and i just ordered some for myself. Doing a test with multiple different root pruning products to determine which works the best. I think they have a new website also.... www.microkote.com

RandyHighwood said:

Very cool. I should have a few pics to follow soon. My buddy has been using this stuff and i just ordered some for myself. Doing a test with multiple different root pruning products to determine which works the best. I think they have a new website also.... www.microkote.com

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Thanks for the link. I just ordered a gallon. they had me at "more yield"

Would this stuff work on fabric pots? From what Ive heard Air-Pots (-->CLICK HERE<--) do the same thing yet last for years, would this stuff work better than Air-Pots?

No Prob Hazyleg! Im happy i found this link too. I have applied MicroKote to my buckets... I am going to do a root pruning experiment with my next run Microkote, Tex-r Agroliner, Smart Pot and Air-Pot. I will also be coating my 4in starters containers, the guy (jay?) said to start young and develop the complex root system early....


I will post pics when i have some time and at transplant to show difference in root balls.

SativaME - check out http://www.horticulturespecialties.com/ ...when i got my Microkote Liquid i also ordered Tex-R Agroliners, they are fabric bags coated with Griffin's Spin Out... Excited to see the difference of Air pruning (Smart Pot & Air Pot) vs Air Pruning with Chemical Root pruning (Tex-R Agroliner).

Thanks again for educating me on these techniques and products.

Its amazing how much better the left plant is doing just because of root pruning, absolutely gorgeous plant, dose the OP have any more comparison pics to share? Peferably Superoots Air-Pots vs a Microkote lined pot?