Hello everyone. 

Just been reppoting some of my palms and as I removed some soil from the base of one of my Phoenix palms I noticed some of its roots were growing upwards. 

Is this normal and why does it occur? Is it a response to wet soil? 

It's my understanding nad limited experience, that these palms have a very extensive root system. I had a potted one, root down through drain holes and into driveway pavement.

Cheers, Barrie.

10 hours ago, Las Palmas Norte said:

It's my understanding nad limited experience, that these palms have a very extensive root system. I had a potted one, root down through drain holes and into driveway pavement.

Cheers, Barrie.

They certainly do find their way out of the drainage holes very quickly. I repotted my bismarckia a few months back and it's already coming through the bottom. 

But, have you heard of Phoenix roots growing up like the photo above? 

James

Maybe is it was to tight on the former pot due to overpotting?

If the pot is too small they'll curl around and upward. CIDP are very vigorous and will push the entire plant up and out of the pot after time.

2 hours ago, TexasColdHardyPalms said:

If the pot is too small they'll curl around and upward. CIDP are very vigorous and will push the entire plant up and out of the pot after time.

Thank you, I'd never seen it before. It's now in a bigger pot so should be happier. I realised quite late into their growth that the pot had no drainage holes but both palms were fast growing and seemed healthy so when I saw the roots I thought maybe it might be to do with the possible water logging. The new pots they are in do have drainage holes now. 

1 hour ago, Plantasexoticas said:

Thank you, I'd never seen it before. It's now in a bigger pot so should be happier. I realised quite late into their growth that the pot had no drainage holes but both palms were fast growing and seemed healthy so when I saw the roots I thought maybe it might be to do with the possible water logging. The new pots they are in do have drainage holes now. 

You're lucky the plants tolerated the lack of drainage...good luck with your new pot. 

And before the pot gets too large & heavy do this:

32 minutes ago, Stethoscope said:

You're lucky the plants tolerated the lack of drainage...good luck with your new pot. 

I know. The roots are extensive and healthy looking desire it though. 

26 minutes ago, Pal Meir said:

And before the pot gets too large & heavy do this:

I have seen that a few times but would be scared of doing it to mine. Guess may have to eventually