bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Repotting Tropical Trees

Even tropicals head into a dormancy period. It is very unlike the natives (deciduous and evergreens). Whereas they only slow down their growth, and not exactly stop to slumber. I am only talkin bout tropicals, and not temperates like a Chinese elm. Ficus and Scheff's will grow during our winters, and will take to a repot now. Tho this is kinda stressful, it isnt normally gonna kill them.

Horticultural practices meaning water, food, light, bug maintenence etc. You keep all these in check and a repot will be ok. Anything out of sinc, and its just another step in the wrong direction.

Like I said before, I have repotted many of my trops during winter. mainly because of necessity. rootbound, broken pots are some good reasons to do it. However if it doesnt need it....wait til about February. Then you should be safe. The Ficus have a sap that runs when you prune. February is about the time when this sap is getting a full head of steam going, then you know your tree is getting ready for that summer growth spurt.

Paul

30-Sep-2003	#8
pdbbonsai Paul Berish Join Date: Jun-2002 Location: north shore of Lake Superior Country: Minnesota USDA Zone: 3/4 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 1,197	Even tropicals head into a dormancy period. It is very unlike the natives (deciduous and evergreens). Whereas they only slow down their growth, and not exactly stop to slumber. I am only talkin bout tropicals, and not temperates like a Chinese elm. Ficus and Scheff's will grow during our winters, and will take to a repot now. Tho this is kinda stressful, it isnt normally gonna kill them. Horticultural practices meaning water, food, light, bug maintenence etc. You keep all these in check and a repot will be ok. Anything out of sinc, and its just another step in the wrong direction. Like I said before, I have repotted many of my trops during winter. mainly because of necessity. rootbound, broken pots are some good reasons to do it. However if it doesnt need it....wait til about February. Then you should be safe. The Ficus have a sap that runs when you prune. February is about the time when this sap is getting a full head of steam going, then you know your tree is getting ready for that summer growth spurt. Paul __________________ It is essential to experience all the times and moods of one good place. (Thomas Merton) BonsaiTalk is one good place. (me)