How to Choose the Perfect Pot for Your Bonsai
Introduction:
Choosing the perfect pot for your bonsai is an important task, as it can affect its growth and development. In this article, we will explain the factors you should consider when selecting the right pot for your tree
Material:
The material of the pot is one of the most important factors to consider. Ceramic pots are the most popular, as they are durable and allow for good drainage. Plastic pots are lighter and easier to handle, but they are not as durable nor do they provide as good drainage. Wood pots are less common, but can be a good option for keeping our bonsais in a fattening program for a not very long period since the wood will rot over time. In our store, you can find a wide variety of bonsai pots of different qualities at the best market price.
Dimensions:
The dimensions of the pot are also important. The pot should be large enough for the tree to have space to grow, but not so large that the roots spread too much. The depth of the pot is also important, as it should be deep enough for the roots to develop properly.
Quality:
Regarding the quality of the pot, we can differentiate two main categories, author pots and non-author pots. Within the author pots, a world of possibilities opens up to us, where we can find both Japanese pots, European pots and Chinese pots. The most valued pots for their scarcity and antiquity are the Chinese pots Kowatari and Nakawatari, but we can also find really exclusive and very high-quality Japanese and European pots.
Shape:
The shape of the pot is also important, as it can affect the aesthetics of the bonsai. Tall and narrow pots are suitable for styles such as the cascade, while wide and flat pots are suitable for styles like the formal or informal, and round pots are commonly used for the literati style.
Bonsai size:
The size of the bonsai should also be considered when choosing a pot. Small bonsais look better in small pots, and providing them with a container suited to their size makes it easier to control them and avoid excessive thickening, while large bonsais require larger pots, where you can develop a root system appropriate to their size.
However, if we want our bonsai to continue thickening, we should transplant it to a larger pot to achieve this desired thickening.
Frecuencia de trasplante:
Bonsais should be transplanted every few years to replace the depleted substrate and provide the roots with a fresh and healthy space. When you transplant your bonsai, it's a good opportunity to reconsider the pot. The transplant will depend on the species, size, and development of your bonsai, as we have explained in other articles like this one: https://macetasdebonsai.com/como-cuidar-tu-bonsai-riego-guia-de-trasplante-poda-abonado-y-ubicacion/
Conclusion:
Choosing the perfect pot for your bonsai is a task that requires some research. Take into account the factors we have mentioned in this article to select the right pot for your tree.