---
title: "Got this sad friend today. Just went to repot him and learned the…"
description: "Got this sad friend today. Just went to repot him and learned the bottom of the pot is still full of water. The roots are orange and pretty tightly coiled…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/EtC_giEjQPOiUzh_TOv4BQ/9dDAm8lenyBBNyjCLKb315"
community: "Plant Recovery Room"
author: "Liv"
published: "2025-03-01T00:16:45.898575Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/8_d9N_i4Dwbw4olcVN0hQWWYHueJJcmPqC4wDz1a0TA/4U1oumDgTRCtWvD-62pOTw.webp?size=large"
---

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# Got this sad friend today. Just went to repot him and learned the…

_Posted by Liv on 2025-03-01_

Got this sad friend today. Just went to repot him and learned the bottom of the pot is still full of water. The roots are orange and pretty tightly coiled through the drainage holes.  
Do I try to cut around the roots to free them from the plastic? Or are the roots beyond saving? Thank you in advance for any suggestions :)

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/8_d9N_i4Dwbw4olcVN0hQWWYHueJJcmPqC4wDz1a0TA/4U1oumDgTRCtWvD-62pOTw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/8_d9N_i4Dwbw4olcVN0hQWWYHueJJcmPqC4wDz1a0TA/WzzDdS1VQLSx-L-ikouH4g.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2025-03-01

If they are firm they should be fine. If you straighten them out, the should just pull out through the holes. If it's not budging, kinda your own preference if you want to cut the pot, or cut the roots. I usually just cut the roots, cuz imma lazy 😆. I use a Mycorrhizal to help with root growth and transplant shock.

#### Liv replied on 2025-03-01

Thank you so much, I was able to do some twisting to save the large (and very strong) roots!

### Adrian commented on 2025-03-01

I’d personally try cutting it out of the pot, cause the color of the roots look healthy, so as long as the roots are firm and you don’t see anything black or mushy, I’d prioritize saving the roots, not the pot. Last time I had to do that, I found carefully working my way down one side with a pair of scissors, then slowly starting to cut the bottom where the drainage holes are in a circle. It’ll be easier to cut it out of the drainage holes and lower the risk of damaging the roots if you can remove the bottom drainage hole section of the pot from the rest of the pot. Hope this helps!

#### Liv replied on 2025-03-01

Thank you so much, I was able to do some twisting and got them all out in one piece. I’m used to white roots being healthy but I’m so glad these are still looking good!

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