Well, well, well, look what we got here. A big ol’ tree stuck in a pot, huh? That’s a sight I’ve seen more times than I can count on my fingers and toes. These big fellas, they need room to stretch out, just like us folks. So, if you’re thinkin’ ’bout alternatives for repotting large potted tree, you come to the right place. I got some ideas, some ain’t pretty, but they work. If you wanna know how to take care of them, you need to find the right way.
First thing’s first, you gotta figure out if that tree even needs a new pot. Sometimes, they just need a little trimmin’, like gettin’ a haircut. You can just give them some root pruning. Yeah, that’s what they call it. Sounds fancy, don’t it? Just means you gotta snip off some of them roots. It might sounds a little bit dangerous, but I tell you, sometimes this is the only way. It’s like when you ain’t got no bigger pants, you just gotta make do with what you got, right?
- First, loosen roots within the existing container.
- Then, you take that tree out, and you give them roots a good lookin’ over.
- See any that are all tangled up or lookin’ sickly? Snip ’em off!
Now, you ain’t just gonna use any ol’ dirt, are ya? You need the good stuff, somethin’ like that compost. They got fancy names for it, Soil3 or somethin’. But it’s just good, rich dirt that’ll make that tree happy. You can use it as both potting soil and fertilizer for your trees. That’s important, see. A tree’s gotta eat, just like us.
Sometimes, every couple years, I just take the whole thing out, the tree, I mean. I cut off ’bout a third of them roots. Then I use some kinda fancy stuff they call “bonsai substrate”. I don’t know what it means, but it works. Then you just gotta wire it back in the pot. It’s important to keep it watered, give it food, fertilizer, you know. Depends on how cold it gets where you are, you gotta watch out for that. This is how to repot a tree if you want to do it this way.
Now, if you’re dead set on movin’ that tree to a bigger pot, well, that’s a whole ‘nother story. You gonna need a new pot, of course. And not just any pot, it’s gotta be bigger than the one it’s in now. And you’ll need more of that good dirt. Some folks use potting soil. Some folks use the special kind, like, “peat-free compost” and say it’s good. I don’t like that light stuff, though. Make sure it’s a soil base. I always use the Growell Sterilized Potting. I don’t know where the name comes from, but this stuff work good for me. I hope you can get it too.
Gettin’ that tree outta the old pot, that’s the tricky part. You gotta be careful not to hurt them roots. Loosen the dirt around the edges, and then kinda wiggle that tree out. If it’s really stuck, you might need to give the pot a good whack or two. Just be gentle, like you’re handlin’ a baby bird.
Once you got it out, you gotta check them roots again. If you are moving a tree, you need to do this. Get rid of any dead ones, and then put that tree in its new home. Fill it up with that good dirt, and give it a good waterin’. That’s about it. It ain’t rocket science, but it takes a little bit of know-how.
Some folks, they like to use these fancy tools, like secateurs. They use them to cut the roots. I just use my old kitchen shears. They work just fine. You gotta have something to cut, though. Can’t just be pullin’ at them roots with your bare hands.
Another thing, you gotta make sure that new pot has holes in the bottom. Trees don’t like to be sittin’ in water, you know. They need to drain, just like when you’re washin’ dishes. You don’t want no standing water.
Also, you can use a larger container if you want to. Make sure you have enough peat-free compost and other good stuff to fill in it. I know every plant is different, but you can learn something, right? I repotted my olive tree last time, and I think I did a good job. I am not bragging, but it is true.
It is not that hard to repot a large plant. You need to find out when it is the right time, then you can choose the right pot. Soil is very important for the plant, so choose the right one will make the plant grow better.
So, there you have it. That’s my two cents on alternatives for repotting large potted tree. It ain’t always easy, but it’s worth it to see them trees thrive. Just remember to be patient, be gentle, and use the good dirt. And if all else fails, just ask someone who knows a thing or two about trees. Like me! I’ve been doin’ this for a long time, you know.
