When planting bonsai, important aspects must be taken into account, such as timing, substrate quality and planting technique. Read here when and how to plant a bonsai correctly. A tried and tested step-by-step guide explains the correct procedure.
How do you plant a bonsai correctly?
A bonsai is planted correctly by first carefully potting it up, shortening the roots and creating drainage in the bowl. The bonsai is then potted in a special substrate mixture and watered thoroughly.
When is the best time to plant a bonsai?
Inearly spring is the best time to plant a bonsai. By choosing this date, you reduce the stress of planting to a minimum, because the tree is still in hibernation.
Bonsais from local trees do not yet have any leaves to grow, so necessary interventions on the root ball will not slow down this year's growth.
In which substrate should you plant a bonsai?
You should always plant a bonsai in aspecial substrate mixture that is precisely tailored to the particular growth form and demanding cultivation of a tree in the bowl.
Good bonsai soil is coarse-grained,structurally stable and contains predominantly mineral components. A mixture of Akadama, lava granules and pumice gravel is highly recommended. For an outdoor bonsai, add a little humus. If it is a juniper bonsai, replace Akadama with acidic Kanuma granules.
How do I plant a bonsai correctly?
Planting a bonsai correctly takes place infive steps: Unpotting, root cutting, creating drainage, potting, watering. The following instructions explain the correct procedure:
- Unpotting: loosen the root ball with a sickle knife, pull it out of the shell and remove the old substrate with a stick.
- Root pruning: cut roots by a third.
- Create drainage: Cover the bottom of the bowl with a net and add a layer of expanded clay on top so that irrigation water drains away quickly and prevents root rot from forming.
- Potting: fill in some bonsai soil over the drainage, position the bonsai on top and fill in the remaining soil.
- Watering: water the bonsai thoroughly.
Tip
Properly care for a bonsai after planting
Planting in a special substrate is the prologue to bonsai care. Water a bonsai regularly with soft water as soon as the substrate feels dry. Fertilization begins four weeks after planting, ideally with an organic bonsai fertilizer from Japan. Repotting is part of the care program every two to three years. There is a tutorial suitable for beginners dedicated to pruning, which you can read here.
