Potting on alpines.

[4390evans]

I have got quite a few alpines that are quite pot bound. I was wondering what should I pot them up in?

I know they need very little food so I am a bit puzzled by what they need.
Thwy are last autumns plants.

Thanks guys

[Martin H]

You can buy special alpine compost... but as a cheapskate I would just use a mixture of multi-purpose compost and course sand/grit. About half and half.

All plants need food, including alpines, but they like to have to search for it. If they are pot bound they won't be able to find any, so light feeding during the growing season is a good idea. Ph0strogen or M1racle-gr0 would do nicely.

[4390evans]

Fab thatis the answer I was after as I am tight hehe

Should I cut some roots?

[Martin H]

There's alpines and there's alpines, you'd need to be more specific. But generally I wouldn't root prune.

[4390evans]

Here is a few pics, I dunno if they make a difference. I am not very good with alpines. I didnt know there was different ones I just thought all alpines are the same.

Maybe need to brush up eh

[Martin H]

I don't recognise any that need special treatment, so I suggest just potting on any that are pot-bound into a slightly bigger pot.

Do give them some weak feed once they are growing strongly though. Like all potted plants they can't go and find their own food, they have to rely on you for everything.

[4390evans]

Would a weak tomato feed be ok?

They will be going in a rockery in 3 months so just need to keep them alive till then.

[Martin H]

Fine, just give them a half strength feed at Easter to encourage them.

[4390evans]

Fab thanks Martin