Bonsai Repotting
There is no definitive answer to the question: how often should I repot my bonsai? This is because it really does depend on many factors such as the climate you’re growing in, the age of the tree and what time of year it is. However, there are some general principles which you can follow which should ensure your bonsai tree is repotted successfully.
Generally you want to repot the tree every one to five years , with older tree’s requiring less frequent repotting than younger ones. Some tree’s require you to repot the tree every year but as a general rule, observe your tree and repot it when it appears to be coming cramped.
If the soil of the bonsai has risen prominently then this indicates that root clogging (or cramping) is occurring and it’s vital that you repot your plant. Root clogging happens when the tree hasn’t be repotted in several years. It causes poor ventilation in the soil and will prevent any water from entering the soil properly. If left and not properly cared for this can cause the death of your plant.
The best time of year to repot your bonsai?
You want to repot your bonsai after the winter season, when it has no leaves (if it’s deciduous). The ideal time period to do is just before the growth season in spring. This means you should repot the tree just before any growth begins to occur, and will allow any cut roots from pruning or trimming to heal relatively quickly. Your bonsai should then be able to immediately spring to life and quickly recover from any changes. However, you need to keep in mind that different seasons occur at different times of the year in different parts of the world so adjust according to your location and climate.
If you own several bonsai tree’s then you’re going to have to do a lot of repotting during a short period of time so it’s necessary that you work fast. Repotting and especially trimming the root system of the tree puts a heavy strain on your plant and so it should only be done during the correct season, ideally before the growing season so the tree can easily recover and heal itself quickly.
So when you do decide to repot your plant then you should take the following steps:
1) Insert a knife or sickle around the edge of the pot so that any roots and soil attached to the edge is loosened up. You may to required to do this several times until it becomes loosened up.
2) Next you need to remove the tree from it’s pot. This can be done by levering the soil using a blade or a thin object which can be wedged between the edge of the soil and the pot. Don’t try and remove the tree by pulling on it’s trunk as this can cause you to snap it’s trunk or branches. Just gently wedge it in and lever out the soil with bonsai attached.
3) Now just very gently lift the plant out of the pot and place it on a table or a flat surface
4) Start going around the edge of the soil with your blade, you want to cut about one third of the way in using a bonsai sword or appropriate tool if you have one.
5) The same one third should also be cut off from the base of the bonsai.
6) Now remove any soil in between the remained roots of the bonsai base, gently loosen then smaller roots so they are visible.
7) Cut back any of the major thick roots that have grown too large. The bonsai is now ready for repotting.
8) Reapply the soil into the bonsai’s new pot and remember to apply plenty of fertilizer.
9) Water immediately and observe it carefully over the coming days.
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