Container question

[DavidU]

I was in the local hydro shop the other day and saw these long 8 gallon containers and was thinking about trying a few out on some of my outdoor hibiscus.  My thinking here is that these long containers would allow the roots to stretch out significantly which I'm hoping could lead to more blooms.

Does anyone have any experience with containers like these on tropical hibiscus?  Any thoughts?

Thanks - Dave

[Kyle]

David,
I like taller skinnier containers compared to short wide containers.      The problem I encountered with tall skinny containers  is that they tip over easy in the wind and when the bush gets tall they become very top heavy.      I have never used anything this tall with those type of proportions though.     

My concern with these really tall containers is the roots won't be able to spread out as much and as a result the bush may be tall and skinny if that's what you prefer or if space is limited.      I prefer to water and feed my plants from the bottom and not sure if this type of pot will allow for that since it would be a long way to travel up as gravity increases in height.     Something else to consider, if the pot is to tall and the bush grows very tall you may not be able to see the flowers at the top of the bush.         
Let us know what you think of these if you try these containers out.
Kyle

[farmer d]

Hi David!

My preference is broad and wide containers.  I prefer 3 or 5 gallon pots. 

My experience is that tall and thin containers promote vertical growth instead of a more round well branched bush.  I believe shrubs and trees branches are sensitive to how far outstretched the roots are and won't grow out horizontally as much when the roots are close to the trunk.  Makes sense so the plant is not vulnerable to putting too much stress on the trunk where it can actually break when under pressure.

It is interesting to note that most of mine that have been potted up for over a year in my backyard now have very large roots protruding out of the drainage holes and have rooted in the ground for a perpetual deep source of water.  Makes it hard to pot them up when you have to cut those dominant roots.  They tend to go into shock but I have yet to lose one when repotting.

One downside is for people that are pressed for space like me is less room to cram more pots together.

Farmer D

[DavidU]

Thanks Kyle and Darren for your feedback.  In that case I'll most likely stick with 3-5 gallon pots as well as I'm not seeking any more vertical growth. Many of my plants are already 5-6 feet high and I would much rather prefer fuller bushes.  I really need to start selectively pruning many of my plants to promote fuller bushes as well.  Kyle, I know what you mean about top-heavy plants that tip over.  Next year I plan on getting some heavier clay pots to keep some of my bigger plants weighted down to avoid this issue.

[Kyle]

At the moment 3-5 gallon pots will not work for me.   During the summer when my plants are outside it would be great but when fall arrives everything needs to come  back inside over the winter.   I don't have the room inside my apartment for large pots.   Another reason why 3-5 gallon pots won't work for me right now is because when I prune the plants way back the bush gets so small the pot holds to much water because the water has no where to go.    Over the winter, my hibiscus slow down so much that a 1/2 gal or 1 gal. pot can hold enough water in which I don't water for 1 or 2 weeks.   
Another problem with large pots over the winter or in the house is that if you water to often, air can't get to the roots and if the soil is to wet for to long it will lead to disease and rotting.   

I found that if you pot small and stay small for as long as you can, the hibiscus do extremely well because the soil dries quicker and your constantly feeding them lightly.   The key for me with these hibiscus hybrids especially when they are young is to pot small and stay small until they are ready for the next size up.  My hibiscus respond well to potting up 1 size at a time.   4" to 5" to 6" and eventually lead to 3-5 gallon pots over a multiple years.   Next year when I move into a house that has a southern exposure, I will be able to start using larger pots. 
 
I use what I call a hybrid technique when growing hibiscus.
I combine the idea of hydroponics and soil  into 1.
With hydroponics you are constantly feeding and watering the roots while they have a constant supply of air.
My philosophy of small pots is similar to hydroponics in which I am constantly feeding and allowing the roots to dry between watering's.   For me its not about  how much I feed my  hibiscus at 1 time, but instead it's about how often and frequently I lightly feed my hibiscus.    Smaller pots will dry out quicker which means your feeding them more often and you don't need to use as much fertilizer at a time.  Since small pots dry out quicker you reduce the risk of rotting significantly.     During the hot summer months if you don't mind watering every day or 2-3 times every 24hrs try small pots and see what happens.

For someone that lives in S CA or has sunny, hot, dry, conditions, it's impractical to use small pots unless you are growing baby hibiscus or seedlings.
Some people like to use 5 gallon pots and plant 3 different cultivars in the same pot.   
It's a different situation because when you put 3 cultivars in the same 5 gallon pot there are 3 different roots stocks sucking up the water.  If you put 3 cultivars in a 5 gallon pot that's  about 1.6 gallons of soil per rootstock and similar to how small pots function.     

When choosing pots sizes, think about your conditions, sun exposure, both summer and winter and if you plan to bring your pots indoors over the winter.  What works for someone in their conditions may not work in your conditions.   
Kyle