Step Six: Aftercare
Once the transplanting is complete it is important to
get the root mass wet as quickly as possible. This is most
effectively done by flling a basin or tub with water and set-
ting the tree in the tub up to its rim.
Water will come up through the drainage holes and
saturate the entire root mass. Allow the tree to sit in the
tub for about 15 minutes and then remove it. You may add
rooting stimulants, such as Vitamin B-1, Superthrive or Dy-
nagro KLN, to the soak tub, if you wish. Such chemicals
sometimes help the root system to overcome transplant
shock and recover more quickly.
The initial transplanting process is usually the only
time it will be necessary to bottom soak the tree. Most of
the time, bonsai are simply watered from the top with a
hose or a watering can. Should the tree accidentally dry
out you may bottom water again if you wish. It is an effec-
tive way to insure that the total root mass is saturated.
Remove the tree from the water and allow it to drain
completely. Tipping one end of the container higher than
the other will cause it to drain more quickly and completely.
This is a good trick to remember because it can also be
used on established bonsai to prevent excess moisture
build up in a pot during times when seasonal rains are too
heavy.
Your bonsai is now... for all intents and purposes...
fnished. Bonsai are never really fnished, but the basic
styling structure is now in place and given time to grow,
your bonsai will begin to mature and fll out.
You may make minor styling adjustments to the tree
at this time or you may choose to add a little moss or top
dressing. Moss gives most bonsai a fnished look and can
be used to accentuate and defne the surface roots. Be
careful however, covering the surface of your pot with
moss can prevent you from observing the moisture content
of the soil. Also take care to allow nothing to grow in the
pot which would develop a root system that competes with
the tree’s roots. There is precious little growing space in a
bonsai pot and your tree needs it all.