Page 84 - Ebook bonsai for beginner

Repotting

To prevent a tree from being pot-bound and ultimately starving to death,
regular repotting is crucial. Repotting your Bonsai will not keep it small;
instead it will supply the tree with new nutrients that it needs to grow and

flourish.

How often?

It depends on the size of container/pot and tree species how often a
Bonsai needs to be repotted. Fast growing trees need to be repotted
every two years (sometimes even every year), while older, more mature
trees need to be repotted every 3 to 5 years.

Do not repot on a routine, instead check on your trees every early spring
by carefully removing the tree from its pot. A Bonsai needs to be repotted
when the roots circle around the root system. When the roots are still
contained in soil wait another year before checking again.

When?

Repotting work normally needs to be done during the early spring; when
the tree is still in dormancy. This way the somewhat damaging effect of

repotting on a tree is reduced to a minimum, as the tree does not yet
have to sustain a full-grown foliage. Repotting in early spring will also
ensure that damage done to the root system will be repaired soon, when
the tree starts growing.

Bonsai soil mixture

Choosing the right soil mixture is crucial for the health of your trees, it
should be draining enough to prevent the roots from rotting, while
absorbing enough water to supply the tree with water. Although some
tree species need special soil mixtures, the following mixture is suitable

for most trees:

Mix akadama, fine gravel and potting compost together in a ratio of ½ to
¼ to ¼. When you do not have time to water your trees regularly, choose
a more water absorbing mixture (use more potting compost), while you
should choose a more draining mixture (use more akadama and gravel)
when living in a wet climate.