Why is Repotting required..?

In Nature plants take nutrients from earth by growing or extending roots wherever the nutrients present in soil but in potted plants space is limited, roots can’t extend and Start rebound and slowly start root rot due to lack of air in the soil. In order to make available nutrients and air in the soil, repotting is very much necessary to keep the plant healthy.

When Repotting is necessary

1. If plant not showing any growth even after fertilizing

2. While watering the plant water stagnant on top soil and easily not coming through drain holes.

3. Soil get infected

4. Transfer plant from one pot to another

Above are some conditions or reasons for repotting.

Right time to repot.

1. Don’t repot plants which you bought from the nursery, let it settle for one season and it should adapt to your watering style.

2. For tropical plants spring is the right time to repot. Feb to March or rainy season early monsoon .

3. For conifers, winter or rainy season is good for repotting.

4. Plants started just budding new shoots.

These are good times for repotting.

Preparation for repotting of a bonsai.

1. Remove all weeds and grass from top soil

2. Mild Pesticide should be applied before a week so that any insect and eggs in the soil will be eliminated.

3 . Before one day repot.,don’t water let topsoil dry.

4 . Remove unhealthy leaves from the plant.

5. All Fruit and flowers should be removed to restore plant energy.

6. Shade net or shade should be provided if the weather is hot.

7. Keep ready required soil type  for the plant and pot

8. Sanitize all the tools and sharp if required.

Repotting method

1. Prepare bonsai soil according to plant required  like ficus .jade or conifer etc

soil mix may vary according to plant.

The details can be obtained from the plant supplier.

2. Cover the drain hole with plastic net

3. Tie the Aluminum wire to anchor the plant.

4. Put a course layer of aggregate

5. Put a layer of soil mix

6. Prune excess root and place the plant at best spot look in Bonsais pot

7. Anchor the plant firmly.

8. Put the required bonsai soil and pok it.

9.Water thoroughly and keep the bonsai in semi shaded area

10 .Before  repot reshape or Prune the bonsai in case required.

11. Slowly day by day  bring the plant where it is placed earlier.

12. Rotate or shift the plant regularly to encourage the growth all over.

Happy bonsai

From

Anilkumar.N , Bonsai artist bengaluru