---
title: "This white knight I got recently has very sparse roots - is this…"
description: "This white knight I got recently has very sparse roots - is this normal? It came in a 4in nursery pot and I’ve had it for just over a month but the soil seems…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/6WjlL_2rTSS00GnYx8UA_g/i0ta1zb8qBEqKmxSS4iYXn"
community: "Philodendron Parents"
author: "Pomelo"
published: "2025-09-09T02:04:21.266143Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/WpDNLCdqk0tBDKpI9pN8cQ9dOWFffVQKo0QRe7bEj-A/87duZ8LsS5-oGqVgyxaqJw.webp?size=large"
---

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# This white knight I got recently has very sparse roots - is this…

_Posted by Pomelo on 2025-09-09_

This white knight I got recently has very sparse roots - is this normal? It came in a 4in nursery pot and I’ve had it for just over a month but the soil seems to take a long time to dry out compared to my other philodendrons. Should I still keep it in soil or put it in water until the roots are stronger?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/WpDNLCdqk0tBDKpI9pN8cQ9dOWFffVQKo0QRe7bEj-A/87duZ8LsS5-oGqVgyxaqJw.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Queen Anne plant dad commented on 2025-09-09

I would give it an airy blend of pumice and new Zealand sphagnum, some coir chips and pithe, a little worm castings. Some orchid mix. A tiny bit of charcoal

### Jessica commented on 2025-09-09

In chunky well draining soil in a pot about 1 to 2 inches bigger than the roots. Water when top inch or 2 of soil is dry.

### Jessica commented on 2025-09-09

It looks to me like it needs to be back in a 4 inch.

### Phil commented on 2025-09-09

My two cents, a four inch terracotta pot with well draining soil as Jessica suggested. The terracotta will help alleviate the soil staying moist too long. But it will dry out sooner, so need to check the soil for moisture. And because of the variegation, I suggest a silica supplement.

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2025-09-09

I would just put it back in a chunkier mix in the 4". Philo dont generally need huge root systems to do well. I'd just be worried about rot if you think its staying too wet in the current mix

### Mads commented on 2025-09-09

Definitely check for rot. Soaking the roots in a hydrogen peroxide solution will show you what you really have.

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