Soil changes

Surrey John · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 7:07 pm Post subject: Soil changes

I think I read somewhere in a recent post by Stymie that he intends to start re-potting very soon with fresh soil mixture. Can I check whether this is so? And if it is so can I take it that it w'd be OK to start re-potting in the early new year? Or should I wait until spring?

I ask mainly because I'm still rather anxious about the retention of water in my pots, which always seem to be quite damp, and I want to replace the present soil mixture with a much more freely draining mixture containing more horticultural grit, in line with the advice I have read so often on this forum. SJ.

jimothy · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 8:10 pm Post subject: Re: Soil changes

yes, although a lot of sources will tell you that the optimum time to do repotting is in the early spring, I personally do think it matters all that much as long as the tree is dormant (not in active growth). In fact, if your soil is too slow-draining, repotting earlier may well be preferable, as it will mean that the roots aren't sitting in overly wet soil all winter long.

in Don's case, I think the early start is more a result of necessity (number of trees), rather than choice, but he does it every year, AFAIK, and his collection certainly doesn't suffer as a result...

simon84 · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 8:17 pm Post subject: Re: Soil changes

Would you be including a full root prune aswell as a soil change at this time of year jimothy.

jimothy · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 8:54 pm Post subject: Re: Soil changes

I might go easy on thicker roots, which MIGHT be more prone to rot if done at this time of year, but I see no problem with maintenance trimming of finer roots.

Dick · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:06 pm Post subject: Re: Soil changes

The roots may not rot if the soil drains exceptionally well. Also watrering with a vitamin supplement will help reduce root damage and shock to the tree in it's dormant state.

TB420 · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:07 pm Post subject: Re: Soil changes

After what I saw last night, I would definitely re-pot now if you are worried about drainage. I re-potted a ficus for a friend last night, when I was potting my quince. It was malasai, glued on rocks and all. He had chipped off the rocks, a while back. He brought it to put in my greenhouse as it was not doing well. After a week and I had only had to water it once, in a greenhouse. It was a ginseng ficus, with the fat roots/trunk, then the apex. The bottom 1.5 inch, of the main trunk and a couple of others, were rotting. I had to remove a lot. But, in my opinion in will be fine and it looks better being shorter.
I have 3 of his malasi bought tree's and I think he is bring more. Rolling Eyes

Here is a pic of one before and after I re-potted. He had tried to re-pot it. He buys them, keeps them until they look bad and then brings them to me. It is good practice for me. I have tried to show him how to re-pot. He bought some bonsai soil and brought it to me. I think he is LAZY.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q297/Tbowers420/DSCF1580.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q297/Tbowers420/DSCF1586.jpg

Tom

Dick · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:24 pm Post subject: Re: Soil changes

The second is a much better photo than the first, Not with some wiring and repositioning of branches and perhaps some shortening of the leader, it might start to look like something.

TB420 · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:37 pm Post subject: Re: Soil changes

Yea, I bet I inherited it. I was covered with dead branches. It already has good new growth.

Tom

Dick · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:48 pm Post subject: Re: Soil changes

Ficus generally respond well to back sprouting after they are pruned.

TB420 · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 11:15 pm Post subject: Re: Soil changes

One of the many reasons that I like figs.

Tom

Surrey John · Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 11:29 pm Post subject: Soil changes

Thanks, everyone (and especially Jimothy) for your advice. I shall get repotting as soon as possible. SJ.