Multiple trees in a single pot - Ask Extension
I have two large pots of north folk island pines. They are all VERY healthy. They live inside for the last 17 years. They’re getting too big for th...
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Multiple trees in a single pot #851479
Asked September 28, 2023, 8:44 AM EDT
I have two large pots of north folk island pines. They are all VERY healthy. They live inside for the last 17 years. They’re getting too big for their pots. I’m afraid to separate them !!!!!!! I’d like to get any reliable help on a plan.
Adams County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Kraig,
Thanks for your question!
Norfolk pines can be very finicky and I would avoid separating them unless necessary. Instead, I would recommend just increasing the size of the pot they are in. You will only want to increase the pot size by 1-2 inches anytime you upgrade a potted plant. Similarly, if you do decide to separate them, make sure the pot size is not too large. For example - if you have 2 trunks in a 12 inch pot, you would want to prepare a 6-8 inch pot (or the smallest size the root balls will fit comfortably in) for each trunk separately.
Depending on the size of the pot, you can lay the whole thing down to remove the root ball. Lightly shake off any soil you can and begin to tease the roots out with your fingers. Try to slowly tease out the roots, while separating the trunks to avoid breaking any roots (you might need a second person to help!). If you do break a few roots, it's not a big deal, but you don't want to rip or cut right through them. Once you are ready to pot the separated plants, make sure to not plant them too deeply. Try to keep the soil level equal on the trunk as it was in the original pot - as long as you can't see roots above the soil.
According to Purdue University, experts recommend amending potting soil with a small percentage of sand and peat moss for Norfolk Island pines.
Thanks for your question!
Norfolk pines can be very finicky and I would avoid separating them unless necessary. Instead, I would recommend just increasing the size of the pot they are in. You will only want to increase the pot size by 1-2 inches anytime you upgrade a potted plant. Similarly, if you do decide to separate them, make sure the pot size is not too large. For example - if you have 2 trunks in a 12 inch pot, you would want to prepare a 6-8 inch pot (or the smallest size the root balls will fit comfortably in) for each trunk separately.
Depending on the size of the pot, you can lay the whole thing down to remove the root ball. Lightly shake off any soil you can and begin to tease the roots out with your fingers. Try to slowly tease out the roots, while separating the trunks to avoid breaking any roots (you might need a second person to help!). If you do break a few roots, it's not a big deal, but you don't want to rip or cut right through them. Once you are ready to pot the separated plants, make sure to not plant them too deeply. Try to keep the soil level equal on the trunk as it was in the original pot - as long as you can't see roots above the soil.
According to Purdue University, experts recommend amending potting soil with a small percentage of sand and peat moss for Norfolk Island pines.
