Thanks for the enouraging words.

I have transplanted star jones into a 2.5 gal pot. Although should I have used a bigger pot? I originally bought these 10" 2.5 gal pots so I can fit all 4 plants at once.

Is it too late for these plants to mature outside? A friend is willing to take a female and continue growing it outside.

I used your transplanting method with great ease. I have a feeling the weak root system is due to both early underwatering and perhaps even the plastic pot getting cold from the AC.