I'm a noob so please excuse my ignorance.

I bought a five-year-old Japanese white pine (five needle) tree that came with a pot that I don't quite like so I would like to change the pot to a similar sized one, but I've heard you're only supposed to "repot" in late Feb/March. Is it okay to just change pots without removing any roots into the different pot or should I wait? I live in Tokyo so the weather isn't THAT cold...I think.

Thanks!

matcha_bonsai wrote: I bought a five-year-old Japanese white pine (five needle) tree that came with a pot that I don't quite like

If it's just 5 years old, a (bonsai) pot is of no concern. Choosing a bonsai pot comes when the tree is ready for it.

Auk wrote:

matcha_bonsai wrote: I bought a five-year-old Japanese white pine (five needle) tree that came with a pot that I don't quite like

If it's just 5 years old, a (bonsai) pot is of no concern. Choosing a bonsai pot comes when the tree is ready for it.

When is it ready?

If the tree was mine I wouldn't change pots right now.

Because it's 5 years old or because it's still winter?

So JUST changing pots without trimming the roots is still dangerous?? I thought the reason it was dangerous was because you also trimmed the roots as well.

matcha_bonsai wrote: Because it's 5 years old or because it's still winter?

Both are good reasons.

BTW, here is a pic of the tree:



I want to have a rectangular pot instead of a bowl.

matcha_bonsai wrote: I want to have a rectangular pot instead of a bowl.

Do as you wish, it's your tree after all.
If you go ahead, wait for the buds start to swell by the end of Winter.

matcha_bonsai wrote: I want to have a rectangular pot instead of a bowl.

Too bad. I quite like the current one. But ofc if that better suites your taste...
I concur of waiting tho.

Better not take your chances. Wait, it would be a shame for the plant to suffer.