Potting a Grown Bonsai Tree, or How to Avoid Troubles?

troubles bonsai

It’s a frequent situation when we buy a miniature tree in a shop and it comes in an unattractive plastic container. Or it happens so that we grow a tree for some time and eventually want to put it into a perfect pot. In these situations some preparation must be done before finally transplanting a bonsai tree.

Make sure that the plant was pruned to the desired shape. If you have already repotted it and only after that realized that you want it to grow differently, use a sturdy wire. Wrap it carefully around the tree to direct its growth. Reduce watering before repotting so that it was easier for you to work with the soil.

Remove the plant from its current container. Be very careful not to damage its main stem. A potting shovel may be a useful tool when prying the tree out. Brush away all the dirt stuck to the roots. They won’t necessarily be spotless. But they have to be clean enough to see what you are doing while pruning them.

Pruning roots can’t be avoided. Their uncontrolled growth can result in the tree outgrowing its pot. That is why it’s obligatory to cut all the large, thick roots and if there are any upward-facing roots, you have to get rid of them too. Only long, slender roots that are located near the surface of the soil, should be left.

Now it’s high time you took care of the soil in the new pot. It must be fresh and it must drain well. At the bottom of an empty container there should be a layer of coarse-grain soil. Then, a finer, looser growing medium or soil should be added above this.

Put the tree into the pot. Roots must be covered. Optionally, the last layer of gravel or moss can be added. Apart from contributing to the nice looks of the plant, this will keep it in place.

grown bonsai