March Bonsai Care Corner
It has been a COLD winter, but the trees finally come out of exile this month and it’s time to work! Hopefully we’ve all found a few warm days this winter to sift soil ingredients and scrub pots because the third week of March is prime-time for repotting. Repotting is different than typical bonsai styling because the amount of time one gets to see and work on roots is so short and infrequent; quite unlike the rest of the tree that we contemplate each day.
However, root work will make or break a bonsai. For that reason, and the fact that I have a horrible memory, I make it a point to photograph my bonsai as I work on the roots. This allows me to make a plan, and (more importantly) helps me remember that plan during the next repotting session!
Here is a Japanese Maple that has the foundation necessary to become a great bonsai; but the nebari needs further development and ramification. Here are a couple photos taken as I worked to shorten the circled root.
This was in 2008. Notice the radial spread of the smaller roots. Keeping them combed out like this will make future transplantings easier, and keep branches growing outward predictably from the trunk.
This is the same tree in 2009. I hadn’t planned to repot this year, but it had grown so much, that a minor trimming was necessary. It will be thoroughly worked over this spring, like the 2008 transplanting, and the root will be shortened again to a root closer to the trunk.
After transplanting, pay close attention to watering and temperature for the next several weeks.
Trees whose roots have been greatly shortened have a diminished “reach” within the pot. While the soil may not seem dry, water within the pot isn’t accessible unless it comes into contact with the roots. Shredded sphagnum moss slows evaporation and may buy an extra day between watering.
Freezes are bad for recently-transplanted trees; watch the temperatures and prepare to move trees if a late freeze is predicted.
Time to get those hands dirty! Spring is here…will it be in like a lamb or lion?
Brian Van Fleet
Looking for more on repotting? Continue here:
http://www.nebaribonsai.com/Nebari_Bonsai_112109/Projects_files/Repotting%20Presentation%20012010.pdf
