名媛直播

I just started bonsai as a hobby about?a week ago. This is my first bonsai.?

I just got a 14” Deep Pink Chinzan Azalea that looks like a bush today. ?It’s 2 years old and in the plastic?gallon pot it was purchased in.?

I have a few questions and really need help…

1) Do I need to repot/prune/wire?this bonsai now (end of September)?or wait until spring? ?

2) The pot?was?punctured during shipping. ?I did some research and found that an unglazed dark gray/brown oval pot is best. I’m thinking a 9” pot. Is that correct? ?Do I even need to pot now or just make due with this pot?

3) Since I have to repot due to the broken pot, should I be doing something else during this time such as pruning, shaping etc. ?I’m concerned because I know only the minimum about this plant. I don’t know when its been repotted, or when it flowered. ?I can tell since its extremely bushy and non-bonsai looking, that it probably hasn’t been pruned at all.?

4) When I repot, am I pruning the rootball too?

My lack of knowledge is putting me at a disadvantage. Videos show others doing each of these, but no one is really telling me what to do with the plant at this time of year after just buying this plant.

I have other bonsais that I purchased too, so I guess what I am doing with this will apply to those too. ?They look more bonsai like though. Can anyone who is really good at doing bonsais, guide me through this process from today, day 1 forward.

1:no

2: a two year old tree should not be potted up into a bonsai pot.

3: see answer 1. If the pot is broken, just slippot into a same size pot.

4:yes

Welcome to bonsai! It's normal to feel overwhelmed, but you're on the right track. Here's a quick guide:

• Repotting/Pruning/Wiring: Late September isn't ideal for major work as your Azalea is going dormant. If the plant isn't root-bound, just transfer it to a new pot without disturbing the roots. Prune and wire in spring.
• New Pot: A 9" unglazed oval pot is a good choice. Focus on repotting gently without root pruning until spring.
• Pruning/Root Work: Prune after it blooms (late spring). For now, focus on keeping the tree healthy through winter and plan for bigger tasks in spring.

Take your time, and good luck!