bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Repotting & Transplanting

Transplanting a bonsai is required occasionally to keep the plant healthy and to meet your own artistic goals. At the end of this article are some links to additional topics, which explain in more detail why repotting is necessary, and discuss timing, tools and methods.

If you've never repotted a tree it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with each of these topics before getting started. [*]Why do we repot bonsai?[*]When to repot?[*]Getting the tree out of its pot[*]Trimming back the roots[*]Prepare the container for transplant.

[b:d69f1f12b5]REPLANTING THE TREE[/b:d69f1f12b5]

1. Fill the container about 1/3 full with soil arranged in a small volcano-shaped mound.

Position the tree over the mound and with your hands distributed across the roots, work it down into the soil with a twisting motion.

2) Ensure that you have the trunk positioned where it belongs and that the fronts of the pot and tree are facing in the correct direction. This is mainly an aesthetic issue to be discussed elsewhere; however, the trunk is usually arranged not dead-center in the pot but a bit toward the rear and favoring the left side or the right, depending on the line of the trunk and the placement of the first branch. This position is intended to increase the apparent depth of the container and also balance the visual mass, and is a matter of personal taste. The position of major roots or deadwood may make the position of the tree less flexible.

2) Add soil to the pot using the soil scoops. Take care to distribute the roots evenly around the pot. Using chopsticks, work the soil into and around the roots. You can strike the container with your balled fist or lightly with a rubber mallet to help to settle the soil.

3) Tie the tree in place using the tie wires and pliers.

4) Continue this operation of adding soil and working it in until you're sure that all of the air spaces have been filled. Shaking the container from side to side may help to settle it more.

5) A slightly finer mix may be used in the top 1/2 inch or so of the pot. Work this in with chopsticks as well.

[b:d69f1f12b5]Next Steps:[/b:d69f1f12b5][*]Watering-in

[b:d69f1f12b5]More Information:[/b:d69f1f12b5][*]What's the big fuss about soil ingredients?[*](Even more information at bonsaiTALK Links under Techniques>>Transplanting)

Content (c)2001-2002 TreeBay.com, All Rights Reserved

31-Oct-2001	#6
TreeBay Tips:5¢ Advice:Free *MODERATOR GROUP* Join Date: Aug-2001 Location: Silicon Valley Country: USA USDA Zone: 9 AHS Heat Zone: 4 Posts: 9,742	REPOT - Replanting the tree Transplanting a bonsai is required occasionally to keep the plant healthy and to meet your own artistic goals. At the end of this article are some links to additional topics, which explain in more detail why repotting is necessary, and discuss timing, tools and methods. If you've never repotted a tree it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with each of these topics before getting started. []Why do we repot bonsai?[]When to repot?[]Getting the tree out of its pot[]Trimming back the roots[]Prepare the container for transplant. [b:d69f1f12b5]REPLANTING THE TREE[/b:d69f1f12b5] 1. Fill the container about 1/3 full with soil arranged in a small volcano-shaped mound. Position the tree over the mound and with your hands distributed across the roots, work it down into the soil with a twisting motion. 2) Ensure that you have the trunk positioned where it belongs and that the fronts of the pot and tree are facing in the correct direction. This is mainly an aesthetic issue to be discussed elsewhere; however, the trunk is usually arranged not dead-center in the pot but a bit toward the rear and favoring the left side or the right, depending on the line of the trunk and the placement of the first branch. This position is intended to increase the apparent depth of the container and also balance the visual mass, and is a matter of personal taste. The position of major roots or deadwood may make the position of the tree less flexible. 2) Add soil to the pot using the soil scoops. Take care to distribute the roots evenly around the pot. Using chopsticks, work the soil into and around the roots. You can strike the container with your balled fist or lightly with a rubber mallet to help to settle the soil. 3) Tie the tree in place using the tie wires and pliers. 4) Continue this operation of adding soil and working it in until you're sure that all of the air spaces have been filled. Shaking the container from side to side may help to settle it more. 5) A slightly finer mix may be used in the top 1/2 inch or so of the pot. Work this in with chopsticks as well. [b:d69f1f12b5]Next Steps:[/b:d69f1f12b5][]Watering-in [b:d69f1f12b5]More Information:[/b:d69f1f12b5][]What's the big fuss about soil ingredients?[](Even more information at bonsaiTALK Links under Techniques>>Transplanting) Content (c)2001-2002 TreeBay.com, All Rights Reserved __________________ Want to be a seller on bonsaiAUCTIONS? Get authorized today! bonsaiTALK: Over 100,005.36 Megabytes Served this Month!