Repotting a shohin azalea

My shohin azalea was long overdue for repotting. I’d wanted to change the angle of the tree for some time as the main branch was too large to bend and the exposed roots were pointing almost straight up. Tipping the tree would approximate bending the main branch down and it would give the trunk better movement to the left.

Satsuki azalea

Approximation of new planting angle

The roots popped right out of the pot and the rootwork was straightforward.

Azalea rootball

Rootball from below

I chose a slightly larger pot so the tree would be less likely to dry out in summer.

Repotting complete

Instead of simply tipping the tree to the left when I repotted, I tilted it slightly forward and rotated it a bit to the left. I was surprised by the subtle difference this made. Boon and I went back and forth about the exact angle before making the decision, but I’m happy with the result.

Tilted to the left

As repotted