Does pot size effect growth rate/robustness?

[newtothis]

If you have a new seedling, will it grow faster if you put it right into a big roomy 15g pot? Or does it benefit the roots somehow to let them fill out a 1g, then 3g, then 5, etc.

I'm talking natural size not shade stretching.

[newtothis]

I ask because out of 30 or so CIDP seeds, all are in small pots but one was put in the ground and is much more robust. I know it could be more sun, water, nutrients or something, but it got me thinking.

[Just1MorePalm]

Size matters when it comes to pots...Most palms like to have confined roots when young for the most part...But, Its more about moisture control than room to grow...When a pot is too large or over sized for for the plant, moisture control in the soil becomes nearly impossible or at least very difficult...chance are the roots will rot...less is more...My .02

Edited May 7, 2010 by Just1MorePalm

[BS Man about Palms]

Well stated Mr Just.

[Jeff Searle]

Well, to be fair, your talking about a Phoenix species, which we all know has robust, fast growing roots, even as an early seedling. I really think if you did a test with some other, different slower growing species, the results might not all be the same.

[newtothis]

Thank you for the replies, the moisture makes sense.

Yes I'm talking about Phoenix spp. however I do have 6 Rhopie 'Chatham' straps that I'll need to pot up in a few months, as well as repot some sabal, brahea, etc.

Edited May 8, 2010 by newtothis