I look forward to repotting some trees months ahead of repotting season. Sometimes it’s because the pot is falling apart or too small – other times I simply want to see the tree in a bonsai pot for the first time. All of the above applied to the coast redwood below.
Coast redwood
I picked up the tree from Mendocino Coast Bonsai last spring and have been looking forward to repotting it ever since. Once new roots are established, I can begin training in earnest. In the meantime, I cut the tree back as most of the foliage had grown beyond the future outline.
After cutback
I left a single branch long to help thicken the new apex. I plan to let the branch grow for another one to two years to improve the transition of taper from the main trunk to the new apex.
With the pruning done, I turned to the roots. I removed the roots that were circling the rootball and removed most of the soil from between the roots on the front side of the tree.
After root work
I tried a number of different pots before deciding to go with a container from the Kisen kiln.
After repotting
I’ll be curious to see how the color of the pot works when the bark and deadwood dry out a bit.
Dark-colored bark from the rain
I’ll hold off on pruning or wiring until I see signs that the tree is growing well. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the tree in its new pot!
BGLM Mammoth Auction and Sale this Weekend
The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt is hosting its annual fundraiser this weekend at the Lakeside Garden Center in Oakland, California. Saturday features an auction that starts at 1:00 p.m. (preview at noon). Sunday features plant sales and vendors from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, see the BGLM website and auction catalog.
I’ll be vending Sunday with a mix of trees, pots, tools, and supplies so stop by and say hi if you come to the event – I’m looking forward to seeing you there!
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