Repotting

Repotting seems to be a daunting operation to many beginners of the bonsai world. There is no set time frame to repot your bonsai as it depends on age and the trees healthy vigor, but between 1 - 5 years is a good guide on average.

Upon simple inspection of the tree, does it retain water on the surface? If this is the case it may be pot bound, meaning the roots have totally filled the pot. The tree needs the correct treatment, trimming of roots and replacement of the appropriate soil mix (depending on species). This varies and also needs to be done in the correct season.

In bonsai, just cutting the root mass alone does not mean small leaves and a small tree. We are seeking to minature the whole tree, which means looking to achieve fine ramification of the branch structure and through correct root reduction. This can usually be achieved over several growing seasons.

Soils for Bonsai

Bonsai Soil Mixes - bought from Nurseries and Garden Centres. It is sad to say but the vast majority of products packaged and sold as 'bonsai soils' at plant nurseries, garden centres and even some bonsai outlets are next to USELESS for bonsai. Often these are simply peat/compost soils mixed with some sand or grit and have a soil structure that is too water retentive, airless and generally bad for the health of your trees.

Upon simple inspection of the tree, does it retain water on the surface? If this is the case it may be pot bound, meaning the roots have totally filled the pot. The tree needs the correct treatment, trimming of roots and replacement of the appropriate soil mix (depending on species). This varies and also needs to be done in the correct season.

My personal preference a mix of Acadama, Lava rock and Pumice depending on species I adjust the parts of Acadama used in the mixture.

Akadama is Japanese baked clay, specifically produced for bonsai use and imported into the West.

Pumice is a soft volcanic product, which can absorb water and nutrients quite well in a bonsai soil mix, this helps to retain water and aids the roots to ramify successfully.

Lava rock retains water and adds good structure when part of a bonsai substrate.

Akadama (the water retention component), Pumice (good for structure of the substrate) and Lava rock (to provide the mixture with aeration and drainage).

0Zero bonsai offer a FULL collection and delivery repotting and advice service to suit all sizes of bonsai. A quotation for your bonsai can be given by contacting us.