When to repot?

[TKR99]

Hi all
Been a while since I've been on - not cos I've not needed help, just been too ill to do much with either of my 2 trees (1 of which almost died not being watered when I was in hosp!).

Anyway - I'm considering repotting my Chinese Elm but wondering when the best time would be. I somehow can't consider that Oct onwards (as you sometimes do with other plants) would be wise as it's surely then going to sit dormant in a lot of new soil etc? It's in reasonable nick this year although given I've zilch idea on pruning is never going to be a proper bonsai I doubt - all I'm ever doing is removing larger leaves but have no idea how to shape it, & in truth am dire about really pruning it heavily lest it never recovers, yet suspect that's what it needs .

Anyway - would it fare ok if I potted it up into a slightly deeper pot (same width) at this point of the year or should I hold off until next Spring even?

Thanks.
Romayne

 

[sikadelic]

If it were me, I would probably hold off until next Spring. I know Elms can be reasonably tough, but if you have been removing foliage here and there, it might be best to leave it along for the rest of the year. Once it is nice and healthy next Spring, it should respond well to a repotting.

And don't be discouraged. Letting them grow and leaving them alone can sometimes be exactly what the tree needs. You can always chop it back and regrow all new branches. Hang in there!

 

[M. Frary]

Everything Jarrod said plus I don't know the reason you were in the hospital but glad to hear that you're out.

 

[TKR99]

Thanks

Thanks guys
Appreciate the input & sensible advice on the plant - had sort of assumed that but nice to be sure & not kill the tree through impatience.

Mike - thanks for the (health) thoughts - I'm disabled with a raft of autoimmune conditions, one in particular Sjogren's (Show-grins) Syndrome flared severely and managed to put me in hosp 7 times through the year from April - Nov but thankfully the docs have worked hard to treat the problems effectively so having a much better year this year. But thankfully while many others of my yard container plants didn't survive the probably intermittent waterings through the summer months (my poor brother did his best!), and one of my 2 bonsai pretty much died & was incredibly resurrected (a prunus that literally went from NO leaves to popping out new ones within a wk of being soaked!!), the Chinese Elm fared better as its water needs are slightly less, so I'm doubly keen to keep it going. I think it's probably around 10 yrs old now but just wish I knew someone locally who'd take it in hand & properly prune it, as my efforts aren't remotely bonsai in outcome (Well - the pic says it all LOL!)

Thanks again

 

[sikadelic]

It doesn't look like your Elm is in bad shape. I wouldn't worry about it at all. The leaves are nice and green and it looks happy.

 

[M. Frary]

You could slip pot it into a collander now. Put it in quick draining soil with moisture retention. I use Napa floor dry part #8822 and a little maybe 10% turkey grit. Put it out in full sun water and fertilize the heck out of it. It will blow up with growth. Next spring cut it back hard and if you want give the roots a working over and repot it in the pot of your choice. There are all kinds of people here to give styling advice so don't be afraid to ask for help.