My experience agrees with what Leo says here. Most massonias are tough and can be disturbed at the roots anytime (they have fleshy roots through the dry season as well). As long as light is sufficient and nights are cool they can take a lot of abuse while in growth, from ripping of roots to drying out lying on a bench without soil. Kept too cramped they are not harmed but this will prevent them from maturing in a way similar to amaryllids-- perpetual juvenility. Dylan Hannon