Best way to transplant?

[David Ferguson]

I've been told small pots, rock wool cubes, and just planting seed into full life containers...and want your opinion. Which is the best method, or is there an even better way?
Further, please feel free to elaborate and share any other helpful info on transplanting or caring for seeds and young plants. Thanks!

 

[Herb & Suds]

Beer cup, clear ones are nice for seeing roots
One gallon pot
Final destination 5 gallon pot

 

[Nutty sKunK]

Planting into full size containers minimises the amount of oxygen getting to the roots when they are young. It’s also very easy to overwater them.

A 1 or a 2 stage transplant is best depending on the size/length of the plants life cycle.

Putting rocks in the bottom of the pots helps drainage and prevents roots spinning on the bottom.

So when it comes to transplanting they can reach down quicker and fill the pot.

 

[Flowki]

It's safer to use smaller pots and up-step if you are starting out. Later you may just go from rooting/sprouting directly to final pot. Some will say how it's better for x/y/z reason to go up in steps, personally I've not seen much difference on such front's. Where I do see a clear difference is less work and hassle associated with going direct to final pot when done right, theirs also less to go wrong (long term grower complacency) making it more consistent. But that is subjective to the point that others may well enjoy up-potting in stages.

One small contradiction though. If you use initial pots that are too small (or too slow on up pots) compared to how often you are able to water then that is categorically bad, they will dry out too often and you'll see slow growth or death. To account for some of this I'd never use anything smaller than 1L starting pots. But that's me.

 

[bush5087]

I have a question..... after transplanting my drooping baby, because I discovered it was Root bound... I alwas thought you had to put it in the dark or at the very least lessen the light exposure which gave it the undivided energy to spread the roots into the new space, I'd that not correct?

 

[larrypizzimp93]

I have a question..... after transplanting my drooping baby, because I discovered it was Root bound... I alwas thought you had to put it in the dark or at the very least lessen the light exposure which gave it the undivided energy to spread the roots into the new space, I'd that not correct?

Put that baby in the light. let it photosynthesis

 

[Boatguy]

I have a question..... after transplanting my drooping baby, because I discovered it was Root bound... I alwas thought you had to put it in the dark or at the very least lessen the light exposure which gave it the undivided energy to spread the roots into the new space, I'd that not correct?

If the roots have room, they will grow to fill it. No light changes needed.

 

[turbobuzz]

It's safer to use smaller pots and up-step if you are starting out. Later you may just go from rooting/sprouting directly to final pot. Some will say how it's better for x/y/z reason to go up in steps, personally I've not seen much difference on such front's. Where I do see a clear difference is less work and hassle associated with going direct to final pot when done right, theirs also less to go wrong (long term grower complacency) making it more consistent. But that is subjective to the point that others may well enjoy up-potting in stages.

One small contradiction though. If you use initial pots that are too small (or too slow on up pots) compared to how often you are able to water then that is categorically bad, they will dry out too often and you'll see slow growth or death. To account for some of this I'd never use anything smaller than 1L starting pots. But that's me.

This is spot on. Go by this. It's what I've always done as well. From seed planted directly in solo cup, veg a couple weeks, maybe 3, transplant directly in to 5 gal spring pot. Done.

 

[Growing24/7]

Flip over a 5 foot plant while having the top of it scrape the ground as your taking the pot out, put her in the new pot and she'll live.

Or just do it the regular way and be more careful, that works too. Re potting isn't as hard as you think, but if you want less stress time there are ways to make your plant recover quicker, i don't follow most of them but i know some guys like to put mycorrhizae around the roots before putting it in the new pot. I just give my plant a week and she'll start growing like crazy, never had a problem from transplant yet.

 

[Renfro]

I have done it both ways. Clone directly into 10 gallon and clones into small pots and later into 10 gallon. Either way works just fine.