Repotting Tropical Trees

Ent

just want to know if repotting tropical, indoor trees anytime of the year is alright, or if it should still be done in spring. i've heard the debate from both sides elsewhere, but it seems that the brightest minds take up residence here. please enlighten me.

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dbz12fan

I live in florida so the weather is fine to repot for me almost any time of the year. The only worry months are december january and february. That time of the year I put them in a heated greenhouse if I repot them.

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Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

Ent

that's what i found interesting about your area: the two growing seasons you speak of. does that mean that if i bring my trees indoors in the winter, i get two growing seasons? thus making it possible to repot whenever i choose?

pdbbonsai

depends on where you are. where are you?
depends sometimes on species. what do you have?


Paul

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Ent

i'm in zone 4/5 and the trees are schefflera and ficus.

pdbbonsai

I am in zone 3/4. Lake Superior dictates which in my area. I too have the species you mention. Its a pretty safe bet that February and on is proper time for repots. That being said, I have done it darn near anytime, as long as you are providing for it horticulturally.

good luck

Paul

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Ent

are my trees (obviously the tropicals) entering a second growing season since i'm bringing them inside? so i could repot them say.....now? what horticultural precautions should i take?

pdbbonsai

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

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