Repotting exposed root satsuki azalea bonsai

Here’s an example of an exposed root azalea that has been bare-rooted.

Exposed root ‘Korin’ satsuki azalea – 19″ from top to bottom

These trees can be tricky to repot as they lack a solid rootball to tie down.

Exposed roots

One of the best ways to secure trees with good roots but no rootball is with a chopstick. After fitting a chopstick through solid roots, we now have a good way to tie the tree into the pot.

Chopstick for securing the tree into the pot

This approach to repotting is fast and can save on wire as the tie-down wires only need to be long enough to cross over the chopstick.

Wire securing the chopstick

After securing the tree

I potted the tree toward the bottom of the pot to make sure all of the fine roots were covered.

Fine roots covered with soil

Here’s the tree after repotting.

Repotting complete

Have other suggestions for repotting exposed root azaleas that have been bare-rooted? Share them below!