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
Pot selection redux
There are a number of things to consider when selecting a bonsai pot – especially when preparing a tree for exhibit. The pot needs to blend into the composition, but depending on the exhibit, this could entail very different criteria. Garish glazes might be appropriate in a show that focuses on containers. More subtle selections […]
Show pots
When a tree is ready for exhibit – needles plucked, wires wired – it’s time to select a show pot. In Japan, it’s common for bonsai professionals to repot bonsai into show pots so they look their best during an exhibit. For some of the more prestigious shows, bonsai owners rent pots for exhibit. Shortly […]
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 […]




