I just acquired a very nice root over rock trident maple in a shallow oval pot. The diameter is about 1"-2"at the base. It is unfortunately root-bound, with the soil pretty much decomposed into organic matter, and a lot of the roots exposed and 1/3 of the soil missing.
November is a good month to repot it; should I wait or repot it as soon as I find a suitable pot? How should I maintain it in the meantime? I hate to waste good potting soil by using it to fill out the missing potting material, but perhaps there is no other choice.
It is currently in a dark brown unglazed oval pot, set asymmetrically. Through reading on the web, I have learned that the classic color for a maple is a cream glazed pot. Should it be rectangular or oval? Do I want to go to a smaller pot or larger?
Can I use a premixed bonsai soil or is there a particular formula to use?
Hi @Forestcat
In which part of the world are you growing your trident maple? Do you have a picture of it?
Conventional wisdom states that spring is the most favourite time to repot. The pot is up to you, and pure akadama should work for soil.
I agree, spring is the time to repot just before the tree starts to push buds. Straight akadama is good but add a little pumice if you are in a damp climate. Maples don’t like wet feet. A smaller pot would be nice. Spring color is bright green and fall color typically is yellow (but can by orange, red or even magenta) so use a glazed pot that looks good with the spring and fall colors.
Put some soil in the pot. ANY fryable soil for now.
Northern Ca. I would apply a light fertilizer. Protect from real cold, especially roots.
March repot…? Maybe earlier. I do not dislike the pot; unless it is plastic. Color goes with the rock. ‘Grounds’ the tree.
Thanks, everyone. I have gone ahead and filled in with the regular bonsai mix, using a chopstick to try to push a bit of the new mix down into the old soil. So far, so good. I will then repot in early spring.
