repotting my serissa

suki · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 5:09 pm Post subject: repotting my serissa

Hi, I'm a new member and have had my lovely bonsai for about two years now and it needs to be repotted. The only problem is I dont exactly know how to repot it and I worried about doing it because one book says I have to cut the roots which i'm scared about doing because the serissa is described as very tempormental and I dont want to kill her, also I dont know where to get supplies to do it in my area, (South Wales Bridgend).

Please help me.

Stymie · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: repotting my serissa

They are indeed temperamental but you seem to have hit the right balance for it. Re-potting may be carried out at any time with these because they don't have a 'close season' when all growth stops entirely. The planting medium should be a proprietory bonsai mix but in the absence of such, use a normal potting compost with the addition of 20-30% by volume of washed coarse gravel to facilitate free draining. After re-potting, don't change your routine or where you are keeping it because they don't like changes. An offensive odour when the roots are trimmed is normal to expect. My re-potting guidlines elsewhere could be helpful.

Dick · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 6:12 pm Post subject: Re: repotting my serissa

One thing about removing roots to remember is that the roots support a certain amount of green foliage on top. Removing the roots without removing approximately an equal amount of foliage will mean that the tree will seek it's own balance and you ay lose leaves until that balance of roots/foliage is achieved naturally by the tree in it's regrowth.

suki · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 4:02 pm Post subject: Re: repotting my serissa

thankyou for your help, I feel more confident about re-potting now. Im going to order the stuff I need and then i'll repot the tree when she stops flowering. Thankyou Very Happy