Healthier Plant Roots

Planting Container

In pots, the roots of the plants tend to grow in circles entangling themselves. This increases the likelihood of having oxygenation or water stagnation issues, especially in larger pots that lack proper drainage. When the roots reach the edge of a plastic pot they continue growing in search more water and nutrients only to begin encircling the pot. This begins the process of structural damage to your plants. The roots become constricted leading to less water and nutrient intake. The stem of your plant will also become compressed which leads to tissue damage further restricting nutrient intake.

Grow bags help to alleviate this issue because as the roots come in contact with the edges of the fabric pot they sense the drier soil that is exposed to the air. At this point they know they have reached their growth limit. The roots become "air pruned" which is vital to growing healthy plants in containers. This prevents over growth of roots eliminating girdling roots (roots that damage the structure of the plant). You will also get many more fibrous roots when air pruned. A more fibrous root system (many small root tips) allows the plants to take in more nutrients and water. Plastic potted plants encourage a few large roots to dominate and encircle the pot which constricts nutrient uptake.