The correct method for repotting flowering bonsai in spring

Repotting is an important measure for growing potted flowers well. Because the soil used for potted flowers is an artificially prepared growing mix, at first it has enough nutrients, but as the plants grow, the nutrients in the soil, especially trace elements, are continuously consumed, and even applying large amounts of fertilizer cannot keep up with the needs of plant growth, so new soil rich in nutrients must be added. In addition, frequent fertilizing and watering will cause the soil to become compacted and poorly aerated; if the plant's root system becomes too tangled and dense, it will also affect plant growth, so repotting is necessary to add new soil. Small pots should be repotted once every 1 to 2 years, and large pots once every 3 to 4 years. Each time, generally move the plant into a pot one size larger.

When repotting, it is best to keep one-third of the old soil, add two-thirds new soil, increase fertilizer, and properly prune the old roots and fibrous roots. Repotting should be done in early spring, before the flowers are about to sprout. Half a day after repotting, water thoroughly and place in a shady spot, then after eight to ten days gradually move it into the sunlight.

For repotting flower seedlings, gently tap the edge of the flower pot with your hand, hold the seedling with your hand, tip the pot on its side, take out the plant together with the soil, peel off the soil around the edge and top of the root ball, place it into a larger pot, fill the gaps with new soil, and use a bamboo stick to pack the soil tight.

The repotting method for larger plants is different from that for flower seedlings. One way is to replant the original plant in the original pot: after turning the plant out, scrape off a layer of soil from the top and bottom of the root ball, cut off old roots and the top shoot, then replace with new soil and plant the flower tree back into the original pot. This can make the stem grow thicker and the crown expand; this method is suitable for cultivating bonsai. The other way is to replant the original plant into a pot one size larger: after turning out the soil, properly prune some branches, carefully trim the root system, cut off the coiled lateral roots, and generally do not cut the taproot. After removing part of the old soil, use new soil to plant the original plant into a pot one size larger, then water it.