Bonsai tree enthusiasts know that it is important to replace a bonsai pot every few years in order to keep the tree healthy. But what if you don’t have any extra money to spend on pots? Or what if the pot you want is out of your price range? There are a few things you can do in order to save your bonsai tree.
First, you can try to find a pot that is the same size as the one you currently have. This may be difficult, but it is worth checking online or at your local nursery. If you can’t find an exact match, you can also try to find a pot that is slightly larger or smaller. The important thing is that the pot is not too big or too small for the tree.
Another option is to look for a used pot. This can be a great way to save money, but it is important to make sure that the pot is clean and in good condition. You don’t want to risk damaging your tree with a dirty or damaged pot.
Finally, you can try to make your own pot. This is a great option if you are handy and have some basic carpentry skills. There are a few different designs that you can choose from, and you can even add your own personal touch to the pot.
So you’ve got a Bonsai tree. Either, you’ve grown it from seed; unlikely. Bought it from a specialist or garden centre; more likely, or been given one as a present; a lot more likely.
The trouble is unless your Bonsai tree was bought from a specialist who is dedicated to growing these beautiful trees, you may just find that your Bonsai tree is not looking too healthy. Sure it would have looked great in the shop, but when you got it home did things start to change?
The reason for this is most Bonsai trees purchased from a nonspecialist are deliberately ‘brought on’. Not only that you will seldom find a Bonsai tree that has been paired with a pot specifically catered for it. This is probably to do with keeping the overall cost of the Bonsai tree down but can be the cause of lots of problems.
If your Bonsai could do with a little TLC then it may be time to change its pot…
A ceramic Bonsai pot should first be the right size for your Bonsai tree. If it’s too small it will easily be knocked over, but perhaps more importantly could drastically affect the root system which is the life blood of your tree. Whereas, if the pot is too large your Bonsai tree will appear dwarfed in appearance. Also, gauging water amounts correctly can prove problematic.
A ceramic Bonsai pot should just be large enough to fully support your Bonsai tree and provide room for a little growth. Choose a pot that complements your tree and not steal focus from it. The art of Bonsai is to replicate a naturally growing tree as closely as possible but on a much smaller scale. Therefore, make sure your Bonsai pot is proportionate to your tree, symmetrical in design, and neutral in color.
Another important aspect to consider is to ensure the Bonsai pot has enough holes underneath for drainage. All too often Bonsai trees become waterlogged or dried out due to varying water levels or inadequate water draw-off.
You will also be well advised to choose a ceramic bonsai pot that is not glazed internally. A Bonsai pot that is shiny inside can cause major problems with heat retention in the soil and again can affect watering. However, it’s fine to choose a Bonsai pot that is glazed externally. Just be certain that if your Bonsai tree lives outside the pot is frost-proof. Shiny surface Bonsai pots that have not been designed for inclement weather are notorious for cracking.
So now you have a little more knowledge about choosing a Bonsai pot why not treat your tree to a new home today?