When and how do you repot bonsai? In the video, Melissa shows how to proceed correctly when repotting the mini-tree and what to consider when choosing the pot and the substrate.
Video instructions for repotting bonsai [music: www.bensound.com]
Bonsais regularly move to new pots or bowls when their roots can no longer find a crumb of fresh substrate. When repotting bonsai, however, there are a few important little things to consider that are crucial for a healthy bonsai. We explain when you should repot the bonsai, whether you are cutting its roots and which soil is most suitable for bonsai.
contents
- When should you repot your bonsai?
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Repotting bonsai: how to do it
- That’s what you need
- The right soil for repotting bonsai
- This is how you repot bonsai trees
- Maintain bonsai after repotting
When should you repot your bonsai?
Bonsai is best repotted in spring. You can tell by the "spinning top" of the roots that it is time to provide your bonsai with new soil and possibly a larger bowl. You can check this very easily: Take the bonsai and its root ball out of the bowl and check whether the roots have already reached the edge of the container. They then begin to grow in circles along it.
Young and fast-growing trees are repotted annually on average, while older specimens only need to be moved every three to five years.
Even if the bonsai soil is no longer loose, mold or algae form and the bonsai leaves the leaves hanging despite watering, it is important to repot quickly. In this case, the substrate is too old and sagging, and the roots of the bonsai are threatened by a lack of oxygen and putrefactive agents.
By the way: Even newly purchased bonsai usually have to be repotted. Because for the long dry spells during transport and storage before sale, the little trees are potted in a "travel substrate" that better stores water. However, this substrate is completely unsuitable for permanent cultivation and should be replaced as soon as possible with a high-quality bonsai soil - for example the Floragard bonsai soil - be replaced. Very high quality bonsai from specialized bonsai nurseries are an exception - they are usually supplied in suitable soil.
Repotting bonsai: how to do it
Repotting bonsai is not difficult. In addition to a few materials and tools, a suitable one is especially important here Bonsai soil essential. We have put together detailed instructions for repotting bonsai at the end of this article.
That’s what you need
To properly repot your bonsai you will need:
- A larger bonsai bowl, if the bonsai is still to grow. If the bonsai should keep its current size, the old bowl can also be reused and a root pruning can be carried out.
- Small nets or wire mesh.
- Expanded clay beads.
- A pair of secateurs.
- If the bonsai is held in the pot with wire: a wire cutter.
- A pricking stick or a long wooden stick.
- A watering can.
- A small shovel.
- A suitable bonsai soil.
The right soil for repotting bonsai
Since the bonsai is only allowed a tiny volume to spread its roots, this small space must be filled with high-quality and suitable soil. A very important quality criterion for bonsai soils is high structural stability. This is important because structurally stable materials are not decomposed as quickly and therefore do not sag so easily, but remain airy for a long time. Often, but not always, structural stability is achieved through a high proportion of mineral components.
However, each tree genus prefers a different substrate. It is therefore best to use a high-quality bonsai soil as the basic substance to create the ideal mixture for every bonsai. the Floragard bonsai soil For example, it satisfies the high demands of bonsai and thus provides a good basis for the individual soil mix of your bonsai. Gravel, perlite, clay minerals, expanded clay and sand can then be mixed into the bonsai soil, for example. You can find out which mixture is the right one for your own bonsai in our article on the most popular Bonsai species.
This is how you repot bonsai trees
The bonsai is repotted in these 6 steps:
- Detach the bonsai from its old pot. If the root ball is fixed with wire, it is clipped through beforehand with the wire cutter and bent open. Sometimes it helps to run a knife along the edge of the shell to loosen the bale.
- If the surface of the bonsai is intentionally planted with moss, this can be carefully lifted and put aside.
- With a pricking stick you can remove excess soil from the root ball as much as possible. But be careful not to damage the roots if possible.
- Prepare the bonsai pot: The grid is attached with wire over the holes in the bottom of the bowl. Then the bottom of the container is covered with expanded clay and a layer of the correct bonsai soil.
- Now insert the bonsai and fill the rest of the pot with substrate. Make sure that the tree is not too deep in the substrate: the entire trunk should be exposed.
- Last but not least, the tree is watered, the moss is put back on and also moistened.
Tip: If necessary, you can also carry out the design cut when repotting the bonsai. A root pruning is also an option for vigorous trees that need to be tamed. Only the outer root tips are shortened with a sharp knife or secateurs. You can find out more about the design and root cut in our special article on the subject of "Cutting bonsai“.
Maintain bonsai after repotting
You can also use the Watering the bonsai and fertilize as always. Since repotting takes place in spring, the bonsai - provided it is summer green - will soon sprout afterwards. Is your bonsai not sprouting or are all the leaves falling off? We have possible reasons why yours Bonsai leaves loses compiled.
Many thanks to Floragard for their support!
