T. Fortunei seedling

[ryan]

How long does it take or the first leaf to emerge from a T. Fortunei seedling that has just germinated? I also have most of my T. fortunei seedlings placed in water bottles that are cut in half. How long can I keep them in there until the root ball grows to large. Should I start raiding recycle bins for 2 litre (1 gallon) bottles?

[Alchris]

More questions;

I've read that transplanting palms is much less stressful if you plant them pot and all. Apparently the roots eventually grow out the bottom of the pot. The same source said that the palm grows better and faster above the surface if it is rootbound.

Is this for real or just BS?

Allen

[ryan]

That doesn't sound right to me.

[Knnn]

This a link to the article you were referring to,

http://www.raingardens.com/psst/articles/palmpot.htm

I have never tried this but some people say this helps?

Anyone here tried this?

[Kansas]

Never tried that, but to answer the topic question...
My Trachies popped, after seeing a definate root and "trunk", I then potted in just regular old plastic cups with holes in the bottom. I put the seed to where it was still under soil and "trunk" just barely pokeing out. Within a week and a half you should see the "trunk" looking like it is splitting. That is actually a leaf starting. Give the seedling another week and a half and you should a very cute little wide leaf.
This is the stage where mine are right now. What you need to realise is that people, a lot of time repot too many times and into too big of pots. Be patient. If you repot a lot, you are disturbing it and if you repot into a pot that is too big, your roots won't get any good because the nutrients are going into soil that is nowhere near your roots.
So just be patient and be your own judge.

[Cali-wanna-b]

I worked in landscape construction for several years. Plants that had sensitive root sytems would have their pots sliced on the sides with a utility knife to aid in removing the pot without disturbing the roots. You can also remove just the bottom of the pot with a utility knife and plant the rootball and remaining pot in the ground. I have never seen any ill effects from either methods.

Cali

[Wes North Van]

are not that root sensitive. I have transplanted mine from small pots to one gallon pots after their first year. I have not lost one, and I have hundreds, from transplanting. Some I have torn the roots and they are still fine.
They are harder to transplant when they get a good sized trunk but again I have done it with full success.
Trachies are an amazing tough palm.