While preparing a Western juniper for exhibit, I became curious as to why the tree was planted so far to one side of the pot. I was somewhat concerned because I couldn’t show the tree as it appeared below. Western juniper My worry was that all of the roots came from a single spot at […]
Bonsai Care
The bonsai care category includes topics like Watering, Fertilizing, Repotting and Bonsai Soil. You can also find information about the Pests commonly found on bonsai, and read Interviews with bonsai professionals.
Repotting a Japanese black pine
Boon asked me to post an example of repotting a tree into a two-hole pot – my small pine is a good candidate. Here’s the rootball after removing it from the pot. Before root-work – one year of growth I was conservative with the root-work as I had yet to determine which pot would be […]
Repotting a trident maple: finishing touches
Part 5 of 5 The hard part is over. After Removing the tree from the pot and Preparing the pot; after Working on the roots and Securing the tree in the pot, we’re left with the finishing touches. The first is adding more soil to the pot. I like using bonsai scoops. Pouring in the […]
Repotting a trident maple: securing the tree in the pot
Part 4 of 5 Once the tree and pot are ready, it’s time to put them together. For starters, the pot gets a drainage layer of pumice. If the pot were much thinner or the climate warmer I might forego this step, but I’ve found my maples do well with it. Pumice drainage layer After […]
Repotting a trident maple: root-work
Part 3 of 5 I’ve seen it first-hand. Visiting bonsai teachers come to town and whip trees into spectacular shape only to leave the trees’ owners with ticking time-bombs. Until a tree is in outstanding health, it’s a poor candidate for even the most basic bonsai tasks. Great bonsai work requires great health, and great […]