January 09, 2023

The Concept of Bonsai Trees: How to repot your bonsai

The art form of bonsai has been a Japanese tradition for many centuries. In fact, the term “bonsai” literally translates as “planted in a container” in Japanese. These intricate plants will bring a beautiful, natural, and exotic element to your home; however, it is important to give them the correct care to keep them looking their best. Explore our range of Bonsai pots and find the perfect pot for you.

Repotting your bonsai tree is essential in achieving healthy growth and keeping your plant looking good all year round. Growing trees are bound by the dimensions of their bonsai pot and can become root-bound pretty quickly. By re-potting your plant, you are replenishing its home and maintaining its nutrient upkeep, enabling it to thrive. Follow out top tips to successfully repot your bonsai for next season:

How do I know if my tree needs repotting?

The best time to repot bonsai trees is in winter when they are dormant and getting ready for spring. Gently lift your bonsai tree to check if it’s pot bound. It will need repotting if the roots encircle the inside of the pot as this will see your bonsai with the soil displaced. Other signs include reduced growth rate, reduced water intake, foliage turning yellow and leaves dropping.

How to repot

Select a pot that is suitable. In general, the pot should be the same height as the width of the ground root. This is normally 1 to 2 thirds of the tree’s height. Our range of Bonsai pots come in either a rectangular or circular shape. We recommend that chunky bonsai trees are better suited to the rectangular pots, while the more delicate bonsai trees will flourish in circular containers.
Place a layer of soil in the bottom of the pot before positioning your bonsai tree. We advise using a bonsai soil potting medium to repot the plant, which includes a unique blend of wood fibre and coir, for improved aeration, drainage and moisture retention.
Remove the Bonsai tree carefully from the pot and use a rook hook or chop sticks to start untangling the roots, removing any excess soil as you do so.
Prune back any long roots as this will encourage the tree to develop a more compact roots system in its new pot. Make sure you have a spray bottle of water readily available to stop the roots during out as you do this.
Place the tree on top of the potting mix in the position that you want it to grow.
Add the new soil around the roots in small amounts, until the pot is filled to about one centimetre from the rim.
Water the tree thoroughly to help the soil settle after repotting and keep sheltered and out of direct sunlight to reduce additional environmental stresses until it has firmly re-established.