Fukien Tea Pot, and Further Changes

[japanpsyhic]

I have had my Fukien Tea in the pot I bought it in since last summer, and I want a new one. Is this choice wise? If so, what type would you recommend? The one I have if very bulky, 4" deep, and 9" long. It is oval, but I think I would like to bet the shallow, rectangular kind. What is best? Also, I intend to cut a few unneeded branches off. Would a pot change, soil change and trim be too stressful? Spring has just set in, so how should I go about all these changes?



Moderators note:

In [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24411]another thread[/url] japanpsyhic made these comments regarding this same tree.

I have had my Fukien Tea tree in the soil I bought it in since last summer. It has become very poorly drained, and doesn't absorb water well at all. What is the best soil type? What kind from joe bonsai soil types?

[josh1812@live.com]

Fukien tea is a notorious picky tree. I would not even in my tropical climate do all of that at once

As for the pot we need a picture because different pots are made for different bonsai. Like if its a Feminine or a Masculine tree. Probably since of the little white flowers it would need a glazed pot, but still to make an accurate judgment we would need a picture or a better description.

[Gnome]

japanpsyhic,

The choice of shape and glaze color is largely an aesthetic issue, the real concern is the size. You must choose an appropriately sized pot, not too small nor too large.

Would a pot change, soil change and trim be too stressful?

When re-potting, changing the soil is often one of the reasons to do so. Since your plant is in poor draining soil, re-potting can provide definite benefits. Josh suggests not doing all three at once, and I'll defer to him on that issue as I don't grow this species, but the first two usually go hand in hand.

https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Carmona.html

I checked the site you suggest and frankly I find myself unsure if I would use their product or not. The list of components sounds pretty good but I have a few concerns. First since Pine Bark is listed first, am I to assume that it is the primary ingredient? Sphagnum peat moss is also included which, in conjunction with the bark, may be too high of a percentage of organic components. I also have some concern about the size of the particles which is difficult to discern from their picture. Are you committed to using this vendor?

Norm

[japanpsyhic]

[img]https://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a454/japanpsyhic/fukienteapot.jpg[/img]
I want a pot similar, or exactly like this one.

Also, I would use any vendor for soil that is cheap, and good for my bonsai. I don't have the knowledge you guys might have, as I am not a pro on this. So, whatever brand you suggest that is cheap, great, though Joe Bonsai is very cheap to buy on amazon.com

[TomM]

Please don't purchase bonsai soil (medium) based solely on it's being cheap. Check around your area - local bonsai club or society - and you will find a reputable source or vendor. Good quality bonsai soil will help to produce good root development and healthy roots are essential to growing great bonsai.

A local bonsai club would also be the place for finding sources of pots. You don't have to buy everything on-line. In fact avoid it if you can. Support local sources whenever possible.

[Gnome]

japanpsyhic,

You can certainly use a pot of that shape and color if you wish, just make sure to size it appropriately for the plant in question. It is not wise to greatly overpot as this leads to a condition where the medium will likely stay wet for extended periods.

Here is a product that is very much like the material I mix for myself.
https://secure.trappist.net/estore/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BM&Product_Code=MSRHBQ4&Category_Code=mastermix

And here is the site of one of our members, [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=20031]Tachigi.[/url]

https://www.shop.northstarbonsai.com/category.sc?categoryId=8

There you will find quality components if you should care to give 'rolling your own' a shot. He also offers pre-mixed soils but appears to be out of the general size mix at the moment. The particle size of the shohin mix may be little on the small side for this tree, which apparently does not like 'wet feet'

Norm

[Jalopy19]

I purchase Haydite in bulk at a local landscape greenhouse. They sell it for 10$ per five gallon bucket. I then mix it with a commercial bonsai soil mix.