Here are the pics:

http://picasaweb.google.com/113976204648123069310/SprucePreBonsai#

I successfully over-wintered it, and now it is producing nice long buds. I read somewhere that a good time of year to re-pot conifers is when the buds extend...I am no expert, but I think this guy needs a new pot. What do you guys think? It is currently in a 4" plastic cup. Should I upgrade to a 6" or 8"?

What kind of substrate should I use?

Also, How do I root-prune when I re-pot it? Should I completely muss the root ball as if it were a houseplant? It is pretty pot-bound. I can take a picture of the root ball if you like.

Other than that any grooming tips?

Thank you guys!!

3rdYr

Al

Any tips on re-potting/root pruning?

3rdYr

At this time in the season it is NOT good to root prune a Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo). Here is a good website on plants and their characteristics (Link at bottom of message 'Horticulture Database'). I believe this will help. As far as your tree goes, I would only prune the candles by half this year. If you feel the need to re-pot the tree then keep everything intact. Do not remove any soil; it will hurt and could possibly kill the tree at this time. Just move it to a larger container and add a nice rich soil. Next spring around late March early April I would plant the tree in a container that is wider than it is tall. Remove all of the soil, prune the roots and replace the soil with a good substrate.

Normally, what I do to introduce a tree into "bonsai soil" is I add shredded compost to my substrate for the first transition from "garden soil" to "bonsai soil". I train the tree at this time. Once I see that the tree is established and there are good results, meaning the tree likes the new compost and substrate mix, I would plant the tree in the full substrate and in a bonsai pot.

Just remember, a bonsai container will usually slow all growth that is good for training and you will only have a tree that is good for refinement. That means when you plant it in a bonsai pot it will look like the same tree for a very long time. It could only have more refined branches if you like. That is why I only use bonsai pots for trees that are finished with their training stage.

I wish you the best of luck and enjoyment on the road to growing and creating bonsai,

Gardener Guy

I'm on my second Mugo Pine - in the yard. Last August, my first one died. So, in December, I planted
another - but I did an extensive un-potting and root-pruning. I surmise that the first Mugo failed because
I didn't open the root-ball enough at planting time.

I use Pine/Fir Bark for my organic substrate.

Josh

Al

So I repotted it, without messing up the root ball at all, in an 8" container. I used 1/3 pine bark mulch, 1/3 perlite and 1/3 potting soil.

Now I am going to pinch back the buds, or "candles" about half way. And that's it.

Any other tips or should I just let this one be?

3rdYr

Al