when moving a plant from one place to another suggest why it is important to leave some original soil around the roots

Question

please answer fast

Answer 1

In addition to the points made by Naina, all plants have a symbiosis with soil organisms.  By retaining soil around the roots of a plant that is being transplanted, you inoculate the soil in the area to which you are transplanting with beneficial microorganisms that can help the plant to thrive.

Answer 2

Stephanie,

 

Usually the plants that can be easily moved from one place to  other are smaller or have just been planted but do not appear to thrive at the spot due to multiple reasons. Such plants have very tender roots or slow growing roots. Damaged roots would harm the plants, they would not get adequate nutrition from the soil at new spot. Purchased small plants (vegetables, flowers, decorative plants, groundcover etc.) come with a special soil around their roots that is specific for that particular plant. Therefore, retaining the original soil ensures:

 

1. Prevention of root damage

 

2. Retention of  at least some plant specific nutrients for plants to thrive at new spot. (Just as when youngsters go to an over night camp for first time, parents give them some treats so that they thrive for the time away from home!)

 

 

Hope it helps.

 

Naina B. PhD