Re-potting ma Bonsai

[Jack]

Hi again folks

Am having a problem with ma roots of ma Bonsai, thay have formed a lump of Soil beneath the main tree and the root's are sprouting out of the soil. Dose this mean it should be re-potted or is it fine to be left alone?

cheers

JB

[Bonsaif]

Hello,
Regular repotting of your bonsai to replace important nutrients, 'stale soil' and allow for new root growth is vital to your bonsai's health and growth. Generally, the trees should be repotted at a time when they are most dormant - such as late autumn to early spring, so that they are subjected to the least amount of stress possible. Young or small bonsai require repotting every two or three years, and older and larger specimens less often.
To repot, carefully lift the tree out of its current pot by tilting it to one side and trying to move it by the base of the trunk. You can not pull too hard on the trunk - so if this does not work, try tapping the pot with the side of your hand to loosen the rootball or poke a stick through the drainage holes and 'push' the rootball out. Next, using a chopstick, knitting needle, metal hook or similar, remove any moss or accent plants and carefully try to brush and untangle the roots. Start at the edge and gradually work around. Try to 'comb' and 'tug' rather than to 'pull' at the roots - for risk of damaging or tearing some very important main roots.

Thanks.

[Jack]

Ahh that was very usefull, i can tell u have much experience when it comes to these things

Just one thing thow, my bonsai is a Indoor bonsai so do the same rules aplly?


Cheers Jb

[rosebud5548]

Hi JB ; How long has it been since you re-potted this bonsai . I make my own soil and I re-pot everything with in 2 years . If your using store bagged soil I would do it sooner .

I use natural fertilizers and they put nutrients back into the soil .

I feed the leaves by putting seaweed (Spirulina) in a sprayer with filtered water
(just a little and use it all , it can't be used the next day )
and the soil I put blackstrap molasses in warm filtered water and water the trees and plants once a month also .

I would re-pot it and clean the roots and if they need a little trim if you had this in the pot a long time . If you have any bonsai people in your area let someone look at it and see what they think about it 's roots . Or you can look at some bonsai books at your library or do some searches on line for bonsai re-potting .

I always use Yahoo search and find it the best .

[Jack]

Hi there rosebud,

i Bought this Bonsai in about March time so it's not that old i think. And i use the soil that came with the Bonsai. What would be best to use them? Made up soil or bought soil?

Cheers Jb

[rosebud5548]

Hi JB ; Yes , I would say you need to re-pot . I re-pot every 2 years as a rule . I make my own soil mixes so my soil doesn't break down . I use natural fertilizers also to replace what the soils needs .

Rosebud5548

[SteveS]

i havnt found a good mix, and find normal mud from outside works fine :s

[rosebud5548]

Hi SteveS ; If roots are coming out of a pot I would re-pot it .
How long have you had it in this pot? I re-pot every 2 years or sooner if I have any trouble with it . I make my own soil and never use baged soils .

Rosebud5548

[rosebud5548]

Hi ; You need to re-pot now I would clean the tree and roots with mild soap and water (pure would be best) add garlic to it to kill germs , bug if any , than re-pot in a little larger pot after trimming root it they need it . If you do not know how to trim roots . Do a yahoo search "BONSAI TREE - Trimming roots" .
Rosebud5548

[liltreesrok]

Ikept the wire on my rootball to help hold my outdoor stable in the pot. Is it ok and/or necessary to keep that there?