Q&A for How to Repot Bonsai Trees

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How do I transplant a juniper bonsai that has been in a pot with no drain hole?

Jake Saska

Community Answer

Follow the same steps but change it to a pot WITH the drain hole. You just need a little mesh cover over the drain hole so sediment doesn't wash away when it drains from watering.

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Question

What's the difference between a bonsai tree and a bonsai plant?

Community Answer

They are the same thing; some people just call them different things.

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Question

I purchased a juniper bonsai and learned that it must be kept outdoors. I put it outside and after about 3 days it started drying up and turning brown. We must it several times a day and it is not getting healthier, just drying out. Our weather in Georgia is humid but doesn't seem to help. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try putting it in a window sill inside a container of water. The water will evaporate with heat and create a humid environment for your bonsai, not a dry one.

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Question

My bonsai Tea Tree is extremely hard to water. Otherwise it's healthy. I recently purchased it but feel it already needs repotting in order to be watered properly. What should I do?

Community Answer

Is there a mounding slope so the water runs off? Try adding some gravel to the sloping mound, which will help slow down the run-off. You can also add a tray with gravel under the pot to help increase the humidity from the run-off water.

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Question

When I repot my ficus bonsai, can I reuse the soil in the pot, or does it need new soil?

Community Answer

You need new soil. I suggest purchasing soil specifically made for bonsai. The soil will drain water and hold water at the same time so that the plant has just the right amount of moisture.

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Question

What type of pots are used for bonsai? Can I only use ceramic?

Community Answer

The pot does not need to be ceramic. As long as the pot is durable and has enough room for the bonsai, you can use it. If you want to display your Bonsai, a ceramic one is recommended, though not required.

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Question

What is the mesh to use for covering the drain hole when repotting? Where can I purchase the mesh?

Community Answer

It is plastic mesh with small holes, keeps soil etc., in and slugs, insects etc., out. It can be purchased online through online retailers or via bonsai nursery websites. Garden centres also sell plastic mesh. You can buy a metre and cut to your requirements.

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Question

I don't know if I should repot my bonsai plant. I have had it about two years and doing well. However, should I put it in a bigger pot. The plant is growing like a wed!

Brandon Nicholas Ashby

Community Answer

You can either repot and reduce your roots, or plant it into a new container. The way you plant your tree in the pot you will need to tie the bonsai down with wire into the pot so the tree does not come out over time.

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Question

After repotting bonsai, can I feed them liquid fertilizer?

Brandon Nicholas Ashby

Community Answer

No, you will want to wait until you see more growth on your tree's foliage (2-3 months). If you fertilize (any fertilizer) during this time ,you will compromise the tree's root system, causing it to burn the roots you cut instead of having them heal. This is due to the difference in the pH level in the soil at the time, along with the amount of nitrogen in the soil, which burns the roots and potentially killing your tree.

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Question

Where do I buy akadama?

Brandon Nicholas Ashby

Community Answer

There are several different bonsai specialty stores online. You can also buy bonsai soils if you would like that are 100% pre-mixed as needed. Do some research on the soil before buying because some aren't as good as others as for drainage.

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Question

My bonsai tree has lost all its leaves. Shall I repot it now?

Community Answer

Is it a deciduous tree, losing leaves naturally in winter? If so, this is a very good time to re-pot your tree, trimming the roots some, and giving it new soil.

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Question

I bought a centipede infested bonsai. I tried a number of methods (pesticides, drying soil and soling it in water to remove all the centipedes) but no luck. Is changing the soil a good option?

Community Answer

Usually you would remove no more than 30% of the soil. Perhaps you can pick out the centipedes with a chopstick or tweezers, poking around in the remaining 70%, but this may not get all the critters.

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