Repotting-- Sun Or Shade?

Gogo

Hi,

I just attempted my first transplanting today and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The tree I potted is a Bougainvillea that came out of a 5 gallon nursery pot and went into a bonsai pot.

My question is, should I give the tree shade or not? None of my books addresses this and information on some of the threads somewhat contradicts what is stated in the FAQ. Some of the posts I've read recommends placing the tree in shade (or was it partial shade) until new growth appears. However, the FAQ states, "The tree should be returned to its growing area. It's particularly important that the pot be allowed to have sun to let it warm to encourage the roots to grow and recover."

Bougainvilleas enjoy full sun so should I put back in it's normal "growing area" or should I give it some shade?

Another quick question. How should I handle watering. Should I water heavily for a while or water as I normally would.

Thanks,
Gerald

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Gogo

Here's a picture of the bougainvillea. I hope it does allright.

Attached Images

boug.jpg (60.1 KB, 78 views)

TreeBay

I can't answer this question because I don't know where you are, and how hot it is and what kind of humidity you have. Neither do the authors so the best you'll probably see in print is "put it into partial shade for a week or two," but where I am the bougie would go right out into the sun. All my trees go back into the sun if they are healthy to begin with. I put them where they will get full sun until about 2 o'clock and I might mist them a little and perhaps the surface of the soil if I have determined that I am not watering that day.

Watch the watering carefully after repotting. Check it daily (twice if it's warm) and rewater only when it begins to dry out. After repotting I sometimes put chopped sphagnum moss on the surface and mist that a little between rewaterings.

You get a feel for what the trees can take, over time. If you notice that the leaves (you don't have any at the moment, I realize) wilting a little, you know it needs a little less sun. It's important for that pot to get warm to encourage the roots to grow, so I would suggest you get it out into full sun through maybe 2PM and then see how it does.

Regards,

Matt

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