Reviving bare root plants

[1618]

What is the best method to revive plants that were shipped bare root???

I am about to receive a number of plants that were shipped bare root. I know this is hard on the plants and the odds of reviving them may not be good. I would like to give them the best chance possible by doing the best thing possible for them. But everywhere I've looked I've found nothing specifically about how to best revive hibiscus that were shipped bare root.

It's common knowledge that with roses you soak the roots for 4-24 hours in a bucket of water. I'm inclined to try something similar with my hibiscus although roses and hibiscus are not the same thing! The only other similar thing I've been able to find relates to reviving orchids that have been shipped bare root. With those they advocate soaking in a solution with regular fertilizer, brown sugar, Vitamin E, and a root stimulant. They don't say what root stimulant?

I don't have any HVH Growth Enhancer or Wake-Up Spray handy and the plants will arrive any day now. Any suggestions???

Ian

[Charlie]

You may not get much advice on this subject, since shipping plants with the soil removed (bareroot) is not common. We have to do it only when shipping to some countries like Japan, Canada, Qatar, and a few others so not many people have experience with it.

The main thing to keep in mind is that the plants are going to be stressed with this treatment, and will lack the small root hairs that they use to absorb water. For this reason you will want to keep them in a shady place that is relatively cool while they regrow the roots they need. This could take up to 2 weeks.

When they first arrive it is a good idea to rehydrate by soaking in water for a few hours or even over night. Not the entire plant, just the roots. You could put a very light dose of fertilizer in it, or for people who have it available, the Supernova is very helpful. Another product that is good for this type of situation is Superthrive or other products that also contain B1 vitamins. Don't overdo it but a little is good to help ease the transplant stress.

Once the plants are hydrated transplant them into potting mix that is moist but not sopping wet. Use good quality mix with plenty of perlite to keep it light. No garden soils in the mix. Peat moss, coco coir, or composted bark are good basic ingredients for the mix. Better to use a complete product so that the pH has already been adjusted rather than mixing your own.

Be as gentle as possible when handling the roots so that you do not do more damage to them. Put some moist mix in the bottom of a pot, place the roots on top of the mix, and then fill in with moist mix over the roots. Tamp down the mix sufficiently to hold the plant firmly upright but do not press so hard that the mix is compacted and all air is driven out.

For the smallest plants with the least roots use small pots like 1 quart or 4 inch size. For the larger ones with more roots use 6 inch or 1 gallon size pots. Later when the roots have filled out these pots you can transplant again to larger pot size.

Place the pots in a shady, protected location. If you see any wilting then mist the leaves several times a day until they no longer wilt. This could take up to a week.
Once the leaves stay crisp you can introduce the plants to direct sun for short periods of just a few minutes. Increase the length of time as long as the plants do well and don't wilt badly. With such a gradual increase you will be able to leave them in much more sun later on. In Canada, winter may approach before this is all done and the plants may need to be moved indoors permanently for the winter which is fine.

Water thoroughly when needed but don't drown the plants. If you can keep them lightly moist all the time that works well. Begin normal fertilizing in 2 weeks.

Any other questions, please post them. Anyone else with ideas feel free to jump in. Thanks.

Charlie