Bonsai Repotting Soil
The primary reason for re potting a bonsai tree is when its root.
Bonsai repotting soil. 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. It s important to understand why repotting a bonsai tree is a necessary evil and why we do so. Horticulturist geologist artist etc. Because soil is such a great component when it comes to repotting bonsai trees.
Most enthusiasts choose to place their bonsai slightly off center for aesthetic purpose. The roots should never be allowed to dry properly during repotting. Akadama is hard baked japanese clay specifically produced for bonsai purposes and available at all online bonsai shops. Make sure to use your wire to steady the bonsai.
The 2 year rule came about because akadama a type of bonsai soil mix will break down after a few years because it is a type of clay. Repotting also allows you to replenish your bonsai soil. Pick the right time of year for repotting your plant. Repotting in early spring will also ensure that damage done to the root system will be repaired soon as soon as the tree starts growing.
Bonsai however are confined to a small pot with very little soil so the nutrients are depleted quite quickly. Replacing the soil is a quick way to fix a bonsai plant s balance of ph and built up salts and chemicals. Repotting should ideally be performed in early spring. A build up of salts and minerals is common too.
Determine when your bonsai needs to be re potted. Water thoroughly if you can it is a good idea to immerse your tree in water leave it there until the bubbles stop comming out of the soil. From left to right. Organic potting compost akadama pumice and lava rock.
Place a small layer of your chosen soil substrate in the bottom of the pot and sit your bonsai in it. Do not dry out the root ball. Some rules will dictate that a bonsai get repotted every 2 years or so and that is dependent on what kind of soil medium is used. Bonsai soil is course by design to increase drainage.
With adult bonsai forming is essentially completed normally a 3 5 year rhythm is sufficient. That leaves behind a lot of built up not so great stuff in the soil. Remove the old soil from the tree s roots. Do this by running it around some of the larger roots.
Soil components the most common components for bonsai soil mixtures are akadama pumice lava rock organic potting compost and fine gravel grit. The bonsai can be better removed from the pot and the soil from the root ball when repotting by slightly drying caution. Repotting is a good time to thin your plants foliage mass to help reduce the stress on the bonsai. Part of being in the bonsai hobby is being a little bit of everything.