Repotting is an essential part of bonsai. Often an overlooked element but one that is so crucial. To the long term health and sustainability of your trees. It is worth taking the time to ensure that your trees have a well developed root system, able to support the tree and the development of the tree, over time. It is also essential that you check the roots annually. Even if you do not carry out a full repot, as this is often where problems can start in the soil or with the roots. There are many mediums to grow bonsai trees in and it is important that you find the right soils for the species of trees you have as well as the conditions you grow your trees in. The growing medium may need to change over time as the root system develops as the requirements of the different root types can vary and by ensuring the correct growing medium is used will encourage an efficient root system which in turn aids with the overall growth and development of the whole tree. Below are a few examples of repotting by our club members from this year.
The fifth Grittleton Plant and Food Fair will be taking place on Sunday 28 May 2017. Set in the stunning surrounds of Grittleton House, plant lovers and ‘foodies’ are in for a real treat, with the chance to browse the many stalls selling plants from specialist nurseries,
Last year I added a large pumice drainage layer to the bottom of my bonsai pot, to see what difference it would make to the root development of some of the Ginkgo bonsai trees. The soil mix used was medium to small graded Akadama with 25% Kiryu, mixed in with a layer of large pumice for (improved) drainage. The results were that the roots within the smaller grade Akadama / Kiryu mix were smaller and denser in formation, creating a very fibrous mat or root plate. Those growing towards the bottom of the pot within the larger pumice layer, were larger diameter roots, with even larger root tips. The health of the tree has been excellent, as previously the root development was all one and an even size. It is amazing to observe the changes to the roots – with only a minor change in soil – how healthy the overall root system is with a free draining mix.
Repotting is nearly over for most species of trees now that Spring is finally here and hopefully all your trees are doing well. Lots of activity has been going on behind the scenes for everyone who owns a bonsai as it is a busy season ensuring that all your trees requiring repotting are carefully repotted. One of our Club members bought in a Korean Hornbeam to demonstrate his repotting technique and here are a few images of the process.
1st place, PB Pussy Willow
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- 2nd place (joint), DA Crab Apple
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- 2nd place (joint), GS Acer
3rd place, SM English Elm
10th anniversary of the Zen Bonsai Club and upcoming bonsai show in Neuville St Remy, north France. 22nd & 23rd April 2017
This was a busy show. Visitors were streaming through the door constantly all day at Sutton’s Show. This is an excellent time of year to hold a show. All the trees are pushing hard, the foliage looks fresh or the buds are swelling and the trees looks full of promise.
Ficus elastica are part of the Fig family which is extensive and very versatile for use as bonsai. There is a good article on Ma-Ke Bonsai on how to look after a Ficus elastica.
One thing that caught my eye in some cases more than the tree was the bonsai pot whilst viewing bonsai in China. Some Chinese pots are certainly colourful and flamboyant and eye catching and hard to miss. I know a little of the history behind the ceramics of China and while researching I came across a great brief guide to pot terminology which is worth a look on Saruyama Bonsai. I also found an interesting article by Peter Tea Bonsai on a particular green Chinese Bonsai pot that he enjoyed.
🎶 Happy Birthday to us 🎶
Terry Adams has been given life time membership
We can’t label this one as tree of the month because this month we had our annual meeting and a chat. But as usual at this time of year, lots of trees are looking great. So the majority of members could not resist bringing things in;