How to repot a tree peony? Detailed explanation of the correct method and steps
1. When to repot
If the plant is not very large, you can repot it once a year; if the plant is relatively large, you can replace only half of the soil each year, so it will not be greatly affected and the risk of it dying is avoided.
2. Choosing the pot
It is best to use a relatively deep clay pot for repotting, and choose a suitable pot according to its size; generally a pot 30cm to 40cm deep with a diameter of 25cm to 30cm is best. In addition, we can place relatively hard plastic foam at the bottom of the pot to make the soil more breathable.
3. Mixing the soil
Because its roots are fleshy and rather well developed, too much water can easily kill it, and if nutrients are insufficient it will grow thin and spindly, so you should choose soil that drains well and is fairly rich and thick; you can mix it from ordinary garden soil plus rotted leaves or sandy soil.
4. Handling the plant
Wash its roots, then soak them for half an hour in a disinfecting liquid; it is best to add some rooting powder to the disinfecting liquid. Because its roots are relatively long, you can soak them in a container that lets the roots spread out. After taking it out, let it dry, then trim the roots: remove all the rotted roots and old roots, keep the newly grown and relatively fine roots, and cut the roots a bit shorter according to the size of the new pot.
5. Moderate watering
After changing to a new pot, place it in a windy, cool area; the branches and leaves also need appropriate pruning, and diseased branches and thin, spindly branches should also be cut off, keeping just 4-6 branches on each plant. After repotting, water it thoroughly; generally water it when the surface soil turns slightly white, and do not splash too much water.
6. Reasonable fertilizing
After repotting it, you should add one round of fertilizer to help it recover better. In day-to-day care, starting from early May, add animal manure or cake fertilizer once a month, and during rain sprinkle ferrous sulfate once or twice.