Help in repotting yucca plant

[Deb]

Hi,
I have a 5 foot yucca plant that I am trying to transplant to a bigger pot, but I cannot get it out of the pot! A few roots have been growing out of the drainage hole, and it is almost like the whole pot is just full of roots as they are sticking to the inside of the clay pot. I tried to loosen the soil around the rim of the pot but it just feels like I am breaking alot of roots. I cannot even get down to the bottom of the pot. I thought about the only way I can get it out is by breaking the clay pot, but I would really like to save it. Does anyone have any suggestions for my yucca that doesn't want to move?

[Newt]

Hi Deb,
Try soaking the pot in water for a couple of hours to help loosen it. If the pot is too big to put into another container, use a saucer and keep it wet for a couple of hours. That might help. You may lose some roots, but it should be fine. You can cut the roots that are hanging out of the drainage hole.

Newt

[Deb]

Thanks Newt, but it still won't budge! I had to sit it in a dish of water as the pot is too big. Any other suggestions? Its like it is cemented in and as I try to loosen it on the sides of the pot all I feel are roots breaking.
HELP!!!

[Newt]

Hi Deb,
Well, the good news is that your yucca is tough and should survive all this handlling. The bad news is that you're probably going to have to break the pot. With plants that are that rootbound in plastic pots, cutting the pot is usually the only solution.

Newt

[Deb]

I kinda thought I would have to do that. What a shame! Oh well, better go get Maxwell's silver hammer..... I think I will wait until tomorrow when the sun is shining. I live close to Montreal and it gets dark really early now, 6:30p.m. and it is dark :(
I guess I should take the pan of water out from under it?
Thanks alot for your quick replies and suggestions, I appreciate it! I will let you know tomorrow if I was successful, thanks again
Debbie

[Newt]

Hi Deb,

Yes, please do take the plant out of the water. Here's a site that might be helpful as well.

http://www.ourgardengang.com/houseplants.htm

Good luck!
Newt

[backyardgardener]

I would break the pot.

[Deb]

Thanks for all your help! I took the plant out side and my friend helped me knock it against a tree and presto, the pot shattered! Oh well, it was amazing to see that there was hardly any earth left just a mass of roots.
Again thanks for your help!

[Newt]

You're so very welcome. Glad it all worked out for the best.
Newt