Repotting plants in training pots...

Bonsaifreak

How often should this be done? I got enough in my hands worrying about my trees in bonsai pots...Thanks in advance!

Jorge

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Mcspeed

Jorge, it really depends on the stage of developement for each species. But it won't be all that different than normal potted trees.

Keep in mind that skipping it because you are busy could mean a repot at a BAD time(ie. because you find midsummer that it's needed), or add to a overgrown rootmass, either could mean trouble for the tree, or added training time.

This is one reason that many will limit the # of trees kept, often mis care of a tree can mean the differance between bonsai, and bonfire,or stick to what you can care for, give the rest to the club auction.

Bill

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onlyrey

Bill, Jorge,

That makes perfect sense, but it did get me thinking on what about two variants:
1. Training pots that are big enough to accumulate larger mass of roots (say for example 3 years worth of roots instead of 1 year)
2. The training "pots" like the pond baskets or Vance Wood's training planters were smaller roots exit through the holes. When would you want to repot trees in these training pots?

Thanks

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rockm

In general, if you're planting in a training pot and developing the top of the plant, repotting as little as possible is the goal. The root mass is the engine that fuels top growth and development. Repotting cuts development horsepower on the top.

If you're working to refine the root mass, then you should repot every other year or so, working to untangle and refine the top of the root mass (nebari).

agraham

Mark is correct.Especially in larger containers(10 gal and up)I would think they could go 4 or 5 years without too much problem.Plus...Think of the trees many look for at nurseries.The best ones seem to be the neglected overgown ones.Leaving a tree in a pot too long will usually mean a more intensive root restructuring though,when it's time to repot.

andy

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