Repot bonsai: Video instructions on how to proceed

When and how do you repot bonsai? In the video, Melissa shows how to proceed correctly when repotting the mini tree and what you have to consider when choosing the pot and the substrate.

Bonsai Repotting Video Instructions [Music: www.bensound.com]

Bonsai regularly move to new pots or trays when their roots can no longer find a morsel of fresh substrate. When repotting bonsai, however, there are a few important things to consider that are crucial for a healthy bonsai. We explain when you should repot the bonsai, whether to cut its roots and which soil is best suited for bonsai.

When should you repot your bonsai?

Bonsai are best repotted in spring. You can tell from the "top growth" of the roots that it is time to provide your bonsai with new soil and possibly a larger pot. You can check this very easily: Take the bonsai with the root ball out of the bowl and check whether the roots have reached the edge of the container. They then begin to grow in circles along it.

On average, young and fast-growing trees are repotted annually, while older specimens only need to be repotted every three to five years.
Even if the bonsai soil is no longer loose, mold or algae are forming and the bonsai leaves hanging despite watering, it is important to repot quickly. In this case, the substrate is too old and has collapsed, and the roots of the bonsai are threatened by a lack of oxygen and rotting organisms.

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 trees are potted in a "travel substrate" that stores water better. However, this substrate is completely unsuitable for permanent culture and should be replaced as soon as possible with a high-quality bonsai soil - for example the Floragard bonsai soil - be replaced. An exception are very high-quality bonsai from specialized bonsai nurseries - they are usually delivered in suitable soil.

Repot bonsai: instructions on how to proceed

Bonsai repotting is not difficult. In addition to a few materials and tools, one is particularly suitable bonsai soil essential. We have put together detailed instructions for bonsai repotting at the end of this article.

You need that

To repot your bonsai properly, you need:

• A larger bonsai pot if the bonsai is still to grow. If the bonsai is to keep its current size, the old pot can be reused and the roots cut.
• Small nets or wire mesh.
• expanded clay pellets.
• A secateurs.
• If the bonsai is held in the pot with wire: a side 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, it is imperative that this small space be filled with good quality and suitable soil. A very important quality criterion for bonsai soils is high structural stability. This is important because structurally stable materials do not decompose as quickly and therefore do not collapse as 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 species of tree prefers a different substrate. Therefore, it is best to create the ideal mix for each bonsai using a good quality bonsai soil as the basic substance. the Floragard bonsai soil for example 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 ones Bonsai Species.

How to repot bonsai trees

The bonsai is repotted in these 6 steps:

1. Remove the bonsai from its old pot. If the root ball is fixed with wire, it is first clipped and bent open with the side cutter. Sometimes it helps to run a knife along the edge of the shell to loosen the pad.
2. If the surface of the bonsai is intentionally planted with moss, it can be carefully lifted off and set aside.
3. With a pricking stick you can remove excess soil from the root ball as much as possible. However, be careful not to damage the roots.
4. Prepare the bonsai pot: the trellis is fixed with wire over the holes at the bottom of the pot. Then the bottom of the jar is covered with expanded clay and a layer of the right bonsai soil.
5. Now insert the bonsai and fill the rest of the pot with substrate. Make sure that the tree does not sit too deep in the substrate: the entire trunk should be exposed.
6. Finally, the tree is watered, the moss put back on and also moistened.

Tip: If necessary, you can also make the design cut when repotting the bonsai. A root cut is also a good idea for fast-growing trees that need to be tamed. Here, only the outer root tips are shortened with a sharp knife or pruning shears. You can find out more about design and root pruning in our special article on the topic "pruning bonsai“.

Caring for bonsai after repotting

Even after repotting you can watering bonsai and fertilize as always. Since the repotting takes place in spring, the bonsai - if it is summer green - will soon sprout afterwards. Is your bonsai not sprouting or are all the leaves falling off? We have possible reasons for you why your Bonsai loses leaves compiled.

Many thanks to Floragard for the support!