Transplanting grasstree

[savvo]

I have two grasstrees, which I think are X. glauca. I was told that they are a form that comes from the Kingaroy (Qld) area. They are certified as being legally harvested.

I bought them about four years from a nursery, when they had a small, vertical crop of new fronds on the top. Within a year, they had a magnificent head of blue-grey foliage. The trunks are respectively 60 cm and 45 cm high.

When I planted them, I had no idea that this species has such a wide spread of fronds. The foliage of each is growing into the other – not as attractive as they would be if I had known what I was doing and had planted them further apart.

I’d like to move the 45 cm one, for two reasons: for the sake of their current appearance, but more importantly to have one in a pot when I move house sometime in the future. Buying a replacement is very expensive.

I have a pot that is about 60 cm high and 60 cm in diameter, and relocating the plant is a matter of digging it out and placing it straight away into its new home. I intend to use a potting mix consisting of native plant medium, with some ash mixed in to ensure good drainage. I’ve read up on the replanting side of things, and will apply the good advice offered - especially ensuring that air pockets are removed by using a hose.

I know that transplanting grass trees is often unsuccessful, so I need to ensure that the removal (digging-out) phase is done in the best way for the sake of the root system. However, I can’t find anything on the internet about this procedure – probably because no-one wants to give advice about how to successfully remove protected plants from the wild.

As the plants were in 30 cm pots when I bought them, it seems that trying to get the whole root ball isn’t required – and wouldn’t be possible anyway. In order to get a manageable lump of root system and soil and to be able to lift this into the pot raises this question for me: should I cut down, say, 10 cm from the trunk and to a depth of, say, 30 cm; or should I attempt to remove a larger ball of root and soil, roll it over, and remove (say, by hosing) some soil while preserving as much root material as possible?

Maybe I’m on the wrong track anyway. Does anyone with experience have any suggestions for me – other than to leave it in the ground!

Thanks.

Les

[Micromegas]

I would try and get as much of the root ball as possible and plonk it straight into a pot with a layer of soil at the bottom and fill in the sides as required. I would not hose down and remove any soil from the roots and I would make sure the plant has been well watered before hand (and after). It will IMO be beneficial for the delicate roots and root hairs to stay in contact with the soil as much as possible to reduce stress and allow the plant to take up water sooner after being transplanted. It is also possible that grass trees form symbiotic relationships with fungus and bacteria and disturbing the soil as little as possible will help maintain these relationships. Good luck. Grass trees obviously get transplanted a fair bit to end up in nurseries (and some are incredibly large and would require a crane and $3000 price tag) so i think there's reasonable chance of success.

Edited March 8, 2010 by Micromegas

[incognito]

roots are EXTREMELY sensitive. keep that in mind at all times. You want to dig AROUND the roots , then gently lift out. Only take out when u have a hole ready to transplant. treat with seasol to address the shock the plant may be experiencing.

[Snaggletooth]

Keep as much as original soil as possible, do not use any commercial potting mixes or fert( only exception is weak seasol). Once in final position wait a week or two then feed the microbes in soil with a cup raw brown sugar or molasses diluted in a 9L bucket of water. repeat every 3 months for 18 months. this will help them spread into the new soil and increase chances of surival.

One movement in a life time can be hard enough, so good luck.

[Snaggletooth]

And if ever buying from a nursery or especially markets make sure they have a tag from the EPA

Edited March 8, 2010 by Snaggletooth

[savvo]

Many thanks for your helpful replies.

Les

[mr b.caapi]

Ive heard that its important to keep them at the same North/South position as their original enviroment, Some sellers have a white spot ( Northern direction) marked on them.