Can I just add more soil without transplanting?

Okay, so, basically, when we transplanted our clones, we put them into our final size pot (5-gallon grow bags) with only ~2.5-3 gallons of soil. I'm wondering if I pruned off the lower branches and filled in additional soil on top if the roots will figure out to grow up, or if I'd be wasting my time? (do roots only grow outward/down?) Would this work if I sliced off the outside of the stem and applied rooting hormone gel?

Otherwise I guess I'll just transplant them into 5 gallon bags with ~2 gallons of soil in the bottom (+ the 3 gallons they already have for 5 gallons total). How will this affect when it's time to add nutrients? (just let the plant tell me when she needs them?)

And when would be the best time to do this?

Thanks

I am NO expert, so take this with a grain of salt.

I think that your roots will still grow down from their original spot, due to gravity.

someone correct me if i'm wrong, if i'm right, your welcome, lol

GL
Coma

Comatoke said:

I am NO expert, so take this with a grain of salt.

I think that your roots will still grow down from their original spot, due to gravity.

someone correct me if i'm wrong, if i'm right, your welcome, lol

GL
Coma

Click to expand...

This is what I was assuming, I wasn't sure if the roots' search for water would be enough to overpower gravity, and even if it is, I don't know if it makes the plant work harder or anything else undesirable. Right now I'm thinking we're just going to have to transplant all the plants into new, full bags. Hoping somebody will come along and give me an easier way to do it though. Or confirm my theory that I can force it to root higher with a razorblade and rooting hormone.

Roots don't always grow down. I have a plant growing in a hydro setup that has roots that have surfaced. Also, if you intend to just add more dirt you will be promoting stem rot since the part that was high and dry will now be in contact with wet soil.

mtgeezer said:

Roots don't always grow down. I have a plant growing in a hydro setup that has roots that have surfaced. Also, if you intend to just add more dirt you will be promoting stem rot since the part that was high and dry will now be in contact with wet soil.

Click to expand...

We've decided to transplant anyway, as we need to add something to the soil to stabilize pH anyway (we've been around 6.8-6.9, I'd be much happier around 6.5).

So my next question would be... what's the best soil additive to reduce pH?

I know you already are done but i would i have just lifted the plant out of the bag by the base of the stem assuming its thick and added soil to the bottom

I wouldn't cut or score the stem. That's just unnecessary stress and time you don't want to waste allowing your plant to recover.

Your best bet is always to just pull the plant out and put it on top of fresh soil in a new pot. Generally, after a light watering I run a butter knife around the edges between the soil and the pot. I then turn the plant upside down, with one hand covering the soil and the plant held between two of my fingers. I give the pot a slap in the ass and the plant falls loose. Works every time. If the roots are extremely tangled and discolored down bottom, feel free to loosen them up by hand, but don't go crazy.

Hope this helps.

I also generally do this over the pot that I'm planting into since a lot of your top soil will fall loose. A tarp, tote bin or anything else will suffice though. Or just do it outside lol.

Some people will recommend just pulling the plant out by the stem. I don't feel comfortable doing that, but I've seen it done.

Good tips BudWhyz, thanks