Here are tips on transplanting a juniper (or other potted plant) from one container to another to maximize the plant's chances of survival. Plants often come home from the nursery "rootbound" or "potbound," meaning that their roots have overgrown the space available and are now encircling the inside of the pot. Planted in this condition, rootbound shrubs will never thrive because their roots will continue to grow round and round inside the container. To stop this circular growth and encourage new root growth, you'll need to remove part of the old root system. Remove three segments from the root ball so the roots can't continue growing in circular fashion. Not all plants are as tough as this juniper, but most will tolerate some loosening of the root ball. Exceptions include rosemary and bougainvillea. Once you've removed sections of the roots, loosen the root ball with your hands. Replant the juniper in a fast-draining soil mix. If you're gardening on a rooftop or balcony, where weight is a consideration, place foam peanuts in the bottom of the container. Old egg cartons or packing material also work well for this purpose. Then add a layer of soil, the plant, and enough soil to cover the roots. Make sure the plant is at the proper height in the container. The top of the root ball should be just barely below the surface of the soil. Water well after transplanting. A good way to water a container plant is to soak it in a basin or a tub for at least 1 hour. That way you can be sure that the soil is wet all the way to the bottom of the pot.
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