How do you know when it's time to transplant bonsai plant/tree to a larger pot?

Question

I've had my bonsai plant/tree in same pot over a year now, and think I may need to transplant it to a larger pot. But I'm afraid I may disturb or damage roots, if and when I do.

Answer 1

PLEASE don't take stock in the answers given by 'reynwater' or 'A.V.R.'. I rarely say that about answers, but you MUST repot your bonsai to keep it healthy. It depends on the species as to how often, and when you repot. Hardly ever do you have to go to a larger pot. First, we need to determine the species of tree and where you are keeping it. If you will send an email to me at:
[e-mail] , I'll try to help. You may also want to review the Bonsai Care page on site:
http://www.american-bonsai.com

Answer 2

Potting up to a larger pot is usually never needed in bonsai unless you want the tree to grow larger. Repotting is usually needed every one to four years and is highly dependent on the tree species, but every two years is a good measure. You know when to repot when the tree becomes root bound. If you see roots coming out of the pot, or water draining out of the pot too fast, or if the soil dries too quickly, then this is a sure sign that the bonsai is root bound. If you pull the plant slightly out of the pot (holding the trunk) and you see that there are a large number of roots circling the pot, then repotting is necessary. Repotting entails trimming and cleaning the roots and putting in new soil. Taking off about 1/4 to 1/3 of the roots is best. Repoting should be done in the spring for both indoor and outdoor species. If this looks tedious and it is, then the best idea is to just pot-up into a larger pot, maybe a third larger than the one before.

If you need more information, just google. There is a huge amount of info out there, just make sure it is a reputable source.



NR

Answer 3

I have bonsais almost 30 years old. I rarely repot them.
Visit (You can register also) this site for all sorts of info on bonsai. The forums are very lively.
http://forums.bonsaisite.com/

Answer 4

You don't. The whole point of Bonsai is to keep the plant dwarved by careful and thoughtful pruning and removal of roots to maintain the miniature size.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=bonsai+care&fr=ush-ans

Answer 5

the whole point of a bonsai is to keep it in a shape similar to large tree, you keep it in a small pot to keep the growth stunted