Trimming roots of plants

[zar]

Hi all,

Up to now, i've been trimming my plant roots regularly, once a fortnight or so. I always read that that needs to be done but i'm not sure why.
Why does it need to be done? What will happen if i stop doing it?
My new tank has an undergravel heater, the heater cables will make trimming and replanting plants a bit harder so i'm thinking about not doing it anymore.

cheers

[scott bowler]

zar i dont know were you read that that needs to be done but i havent heard of it before. i wouldnt do it. and never have. scott

[ILLUSN]

roots should only be trimmed when moving plants and even then only a little. If you look closely at the roots, only the newest growth has the fine hairs which do most of the nutrient uptake, the older roots thicken and provide support and anchorage for the plants.

the idea of pruning the roots when you move a plant is to stimulated the plant to put out new roots before new leaves, giving you a stronger plant.

[JamezMan]

Well said.

[JamezMan]

Well said.

[zar]

Thanks ILLUSN

I obviously misunderstood the trimming process :s. Won't be doing it anymore :)