How to Repost a Bonsai Tree

So you have had your cute little bonsai for a while? You have fed him, loved him and taken him out for long walks. Oh no wait, that's a dog. Anyway your little tree has suddenly gotten too big for his britches. He needs a new home or a serious pruning. Follow these steps to repot your Bonsai tree.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A pot (the same or a new one)
• Sharp Pruning shears
• Gloves
• Bonsai soil
• Small River Rocks
• Plastic Mesh
• Wire
• Chopstick or Knitting Needle

Repotting a Bansai Tree

1. First, once your tree has filled its container and become 'pot-bound,' the tree itself starts to suffer because there is almost no room to grow. It is time to think about repotting your tree so gather all of your materials so that you can begin.

2. Second, if you are using a new pot, then you will need to prepare it first for the tree by laying a small square of wire mesh completely covering the drainage holes. If you use the old pot, it will need to cleaned completely after removing and given a square of mesh as well. Secure the mesh with some of the wire by threading and twisting it into place. You can also add a layer of rocks to the bottom of the pot for better draining. Add a thin layer of soil on top of the gravel.

3. Next, hold the tree by the base of the trunk and tilt to the side. Gently pull the tree out by wiggling from side to side slowly. If you cannot get the rootball out, try taking a chopstick or knitting needle and pushing it up through the drainage hole to loosen the rootball. Once the tree is out, take the chopstick and push off the extra dirt from the roots. Get anything loose off of the roots and try to untangle the roots as well. Spray the roots with water to prevent drying out.

4. Next, you will need a very sharp pair of cutters to prune the roots. Cut the older, brown looking roots that are closest to the edge of the pot. This will allow more room for the younger roots. Trim the smaller roots that hang below the root ball as well. Trim the roots into a shape that will fit into the new pot.

5. Finally, place the root ball into the pot that you previously prepared. Place it directly in the center on top of the soil. You may need to move the tree around to find the best placement and spread the roots around evenly on the soil. You can also use the wire to hold the tree into place. Add soil up to the bottom of the trunk and shake the pot slightly to settle the dirt.

6. Although your tree has been completely repotted, it is at this point that you can add rocks, moss or other accent pieces to personalize the look of your tree. Water the tree thoroughly and wait at least one month for the roots to settle to feed the tree.

Tips & Warnings

• The soil can get stale and nutrients need to be replaced. Repotting allows for this.
• The smaller or younger bonsai trees should be repotted every couple of years. The older and larger bonsai trees can be repotted at longer intervals.
• If your bonsai tree takes a long time to drain when watered or the roots are crowding the pot, then it is time to repot your bonsai.
• Remember that there is only one time per year, during Spring, that there are reduced risk for the root system and the pruning is ok.
• If you cut too many roots, do not worry too much about it as they will most likely grow back.

[JenBrody]

on 6/9/2008 This is exactly how I repotted my bonsai tree.