Hi Tricia,

I am not sure I understand what it is that you did and why you want to cut and replant.

Unless you had a lab test done, then you don't know that the leaf spots are bacterial in origin. In fact, they probably are not.

Repotting ailing plants usually aggravates problems, especially if the pot is too big. Plants do best when their roots are hugged tight by the pot.

If you can post a photo or e-mail one to me at wcreed@horticulturalHelp.com, I might have a better understanding of the problem.

Hi Cricket,

"Plants do best when their roots are hugged tight by the pot."

As in some other aspects of life, a tight fit promotes the best growth.

Don't we all like to be hugged?

How else can I elaborate on this subject?

Scientific research has demonstrated that optimum plant growth occurs when the rootball is 80% roots and only 20% soil. You would probably consider that terribly rootbound. Profesional growers do not.

You cannot tell if a plant needs a bigger pot by the way it looks. If your Ming can go several days or more between thoough waterings, then there is enough soil relative to the roots. If it ever reaches the point where you have to soak it every day or two, then you can move it up one pot size.

Yes, plants in small pots will dry out more quickly. But that is a GOOD thing! As the soil dries, it allows oxygen back into the root zone and roots must have oxygen to live. Soil that stays moist for too long is soil that will cause root rot because they are deprived of oxygen.

Tight pots rule!! So leave your prized Ming alone.

Any questions?

Will