The leisurely growth of Asian maple species does not imply that the bushes will remain in the same pot forever. While maple trees in beds don't like being transplanted, repotting maples in pots is a must in the garden. You can find out here when and how to properly repot the ornamental tree.
When and how should you repot a maple tree in a pot?
To properly repot a maple tree in a pot, you should do so in spring at the end of winter dormancy. First prepare the old pot and the roots, then move them to a larger container with drainage and fresh substrate. Maintain the previous planting depth and then water abundantly.
When is the right time?
Experience has shown that the substrate in the pot is exhausted after 2 to 3 years, so you should repot your maple in fresh soil. If root strands have already grown out of the opening in the ground, the measure will be scheduled earlier. The best time is at the end of winter dormancy, shortly before the leaves emerge in spring.
Preparation work – this is how you pot maple correctly
When the substrate is dry, changing to a new pot is easier. Careful preparation of the root ball and pot supports growth. This is how it works:
- Run a sharp knife between the edge of the pot and the root ball
- Spread out an old blanket to lay the bucket on its side
- Grasp the maple at the root neck and pull it out of the container
Remove any remaining soil by shaking or rinsing the root ball. While the roots are draining, clean the pot if it can be reused.
Potting skillfully – this is what you should pay attention to
If the previous pot was cramped, please use a larger pot. The rule of thumb for the correct diameter is that there should be two finger-widths of space between the root ball and the edge of the container. Proceed as follows:
- In advance, create a drainage system made of pottery shards or gravel over the water drain in the bottom of the pot
- Cover the drainage with a thin, water- and air-permeable fleece
- Pour in a few handfuls of fresh substrate
- Grasp the maple at the root neck, insert it in the middle and fill in fresh soil
- Press the substrate repeatedly so that no cavities are created
Please make sure that the previous planting depth remains unchanged. It makes later watering easier if you fill the soil up to 2 cm below the edge of the pot. This way nothing can spill over. Finally, water your repotted maple generously.
Tip
Repotting is not necessarily associated with pruning. No root mass is lost during this process, as is the case when transplanting in a bed. It is therefore your horticultural decision to shorten shoots that are too long after changing the pot.
