Cordyline removed from ground and transplanted into pot. Hope it survives. I put grow more, John Innes No 2 and gave it a good water. Also moved the pot to an all day sun spot.
West Sussex,
United Kingdom 
I have a cordyline that is about 1.8m tall. It has been in the ground for about 3 years. I am moving house and want to take this with me. The soil is very hard clay. When I planted the cordyline, I dug a hole and could not dig any further. Needless to say, the plant has flourished. Any advice on how to move the plant. The plant will have to be transplanted to a pot.
Thank you
6 Aug, 2020
Answers
Thank you.
I just bought some John Innes number 2 and grow more pellets so Hopefully it all works out well.
I would have left the plant but my buyers solicitor have asked if I planted any plants within 1.5m from the services ie gas. Unfortunately it is a meter away so its easier if I remove it and take a chance on the plant...either that or a few years down the line if it causes any damage.
6 Aug, 2020
good effort, well done.
just give it plenty of water to ensure it makes new roots.
That is an odd request by the buyer. I guess it saves them taking it out.
6 Aug, 2020
welcome to GoY.
you can certainly give it a try but you may not be successful I am afraid.
water the ground well the day before you plan to lift it. then with a spade/spit dig deeply around the stem in a circle just smaller than the pot you intend to use. Then lift the plant out with as much soil around the roots as you can. Just be careful of hurting your back. Then pop it in the pot and use and compost/ soil to pack it in tightly around the stem to stop it wobbling. Keep it well watered until you can get it into the ground.
An alternative to a pot is to use a hessian sack / sheet. Wrap the root ball in the hessian and keep well watered as you would if it were in a pot.
hope this helps.
6 Aug, 2020