Yes, trimming roots during repotting helps your plant grow stronger in its new container. Light pruning encourages fresh root growth that spreads outward into new soil. It also breaks up circling roots that can strangle your plant over time if left alone.
I compared plants with and without root trimming over the past three years in my own collection. The ones I pruned produced more leaves and grew taller in the same time period. Plants I left alone often stayed the same size or grew slower than their trimmed siblings.
Root pruning when repotting stimulates new feeder root growth in your plant. These tiny roots do most of the work absorbing water and nutrients from soil. Cutting the outer roots tells your plant to make more of these helpful feeder roots in the fresh potting mix.
Cutting plant roots also prevents a problem called girdling that happens when roots circle too long. Circling roots wrap around the base of your plant and tighten over time like a belt. They can strangle the main stem and cut off water flow to leaves above.
UMD Extension recommends a simple technique for root trimming during your repots. Make cuts about half an inch deep into the outer root ball. Space these cuts about 2 to 3 inches apart all around the root mass for best results.
Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears for cutting plant roots during repotting. Sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol before you start and between different plants. Dull or dirty tools crush roots and spread disease from one plant to another.
Know which roots to trim and which to leave alone when you work on your plants. Trim the outer circling roots and any that look brown, mushy, or dead. Leave the white healthy roots in the center of the root ball alone since these do most of the work.
The root trimming benefits show up within a few weeks as your plant settles into its new home. Fresh roots spread outward into the new soil fast. Your plant absorbs water and food better than before since more feeder roots are working for it now.
Water your trimmed plant well after repotting but hold off on fertilizer for a month. In my experience, the roots need time to heal before they can handle extra nutrients. Watch for new leaf growth as a sign that your root pruning worked and your plant is thriving.
Read the full article: How to Repot Plants: 10 Essential Steps
