Bonsai Potted in Sphagnum Moss (cont.)
- Watering:
- As the bonsai dries you will notice that the sphagnum in the pot becomes firmer and dryer feeling and if you lift the pot and tree you will notice that it is lighter than when freshly watered. The bonsai should be watered when the sphagnum is still somewhat moist and before it becomes totally dry and hard (the proper time to water will vary depending on the individual tree). When the bonsai is ready to be watered simply submerge the rootball, pot and all, in a container of water. Air bubbles will rise out of the sphagnum as it absorbs the water. When the bubbling stops it is saturated; remove the bonsai from the water and tilt the pot to one side and allow the excess water to drain off.
- Fertilizing:
- The bonsai should be fertilized on a regular basis with a good water-soluble chemical fertilizer, such as Miracle Grow or Peters. Fertilize at the recommended intervals by submerging the rootball in a full strength solution of fertilizer and water, just as you would during normal watering. An alternate method of fertilizing is to use a weak solution of fertilizer (mixed at 10% of the recommended rate) every time you water.
- Repotting and root pruning:
- Just as with bonsai that are potted in a normal soil mixture, those that are potted in sphagnum will need regular repotting and root pruning. When the roots fill the pot to the extent that it will not retain much water, it is time to repot. When the bonsai is at this stage you may also notice that the rootball actually shrinks to a certain extent, making the tree a bit loose in its pot.
- When ready to repot, soak a suitable quantity of sphagnum in water. Prepare the bonsai by removing any decorative moss growing on the surface of the sphagnum that you would like to save and re-use. Remove the bonsai from its pot and cut about a third to a half of the rootball off (depending on the tree, state of training, etc.) using a sharp serrated knife. Be sure to cut some off the bottom as well as the sides. Place a fresh layer of sphagnum in the bottom of the pot and position the tree in the pot. Pack fresh sphagnum around the rootball, filling the empty space and packing the sphagnum in firmly. Press the saved decorative moss back on the surface of the sphagnum and you are done.