This series shows the re-potting of a Chinese Quince.The tree was originally potted in grit and was to be re-potted in a normal Bonsai potting mixture.

This first picture shows the tree already removed from it's original pot and some of the grit has been dislodged from the root ball. Notice that the time spent in grit has resulted in masses of very fine roots developing.
One word of caution, before removing a tree from it's pot, check to see if there is any wire securing the tree into the pot.


This picture shows the roots having been combed out and most of the grit has already been removed. It is possible to see the extent of root development. These roots were protruding from the drainage holes of the original pot and gave an indication that re-potting was in order.
The next stage will be to trim the root growth and thin them out to enable fresh growth to happen.




Here the roots have been thinned and reduced in length. It is good hygiene practice to keep a separate pair of shears for root trimming and another pair for branch and twig pruning. This will avoid the transferance of bacteria from the roots to the branches. Also root shears become blunt very quickly through being in contact with grit in potting material.




The new pot should first be prepared for the tree by covering the drainage holes with mesh that is secure in placed by means of small wire devices commonly reffered to as Butterflies. Some people just use the tying in wire to hold the mesh in place, but in a case such as shown here, where the pot has more than two holes, the use of Butterflies will make a more profesional job. Note, when using Butterflies be sure to place the loose ends inside the pot, rather than outside, in order to avoid cutting yourself on the cut ends of the wire when handling the pot.

The pot is shown here complete with all the drainage mesh secured in place, and a tie in wire threaded through the drainage holes to secure the tree in it's new pot until it becomes self stable with fresh root growth. All the wire used is 2mm Aluminium.

This picture shows the tree in it's new pot, already wired in. A layer of potting compost has been placed in the pot and the tree set in it's desired position before the wire is carefully tightened enough to stop the tree rocking. Take care that no damage is caused to the roots when performing this stage of re potting. This is a view from the back of the tree showing the wire ends twisted and tucked away discretely.


When the compost is added use a chopstick to gently tease the soil amongst the roots in order to avoid air gaps, which could result in areas of the root ball dying off, causing subsequent branch loss.



Here the re potting is finished, showing the tree positioned to one side of the centre of the pot and slightly to the rear. The compost has been smoothed off neatly and now needs to be thoroughly watered in. The tree will not need watering again until it shows signs of drying out, and it should not be fed for 6 to 8 weeks.