Repotting/pruning bonsai

Hello!
I have a question.

My bonsai is growing well, and I’m thinking about repotting it into a larger pot so it can keep growing.
Does that make sense, and is it possible to do it at this time of year? What should I pay attention to?

And should I prune it first?

Thanks!
 
 

No it does not make sense. Bonsai once in the final size pot is as big as it stays. This plant needs a good pruning, not repotting. Repotting is done when needed. That is it does not drain well, or it has slowed down growth or the pot is not the one you want it in or change of style. It looks as if it is a species the needs protection in the winter, but inside a house is not the place for it to be, a greenhouse would be better. I suggest that once pruned it is place in the sunniest spot possible away from heat. Water when needed not to a schedule. Then get some better soil and repot next spring  not this time of year.

Looks like a chinese pepper tree to me. From the look of it you bought it this year and it have not yet gone throe its first winter.

Yes, you can concider repotting to any pot you want. But not until you have learnt how to keep it healthy for a full year. And it must be done in spring on a fully healthy tree. In your situation that is earliest spring of 2027.

it is important to understand the nature of the tree you are taking care of. This is a subtropic decidious tree. It need a cold but frost free place to survive the winter. 5 degrees is ideal. Livingroom conditions will kill it.

your focus right now should be tree health only. Styling should only be done on long term healthy trees. I bought my chinese pepper tree in summer of 2024 and planning to do first repotting in spring 2026, but only if the tree looks healthy. If not Ill wait another year.

 

Oh yes. When the tree sheds it pulls back and reuses the energy from the leafs. Pruning now would mean depriving it from that energy. Do not prune now, give the tree the chanse to shed naturally and store that energy for the spring push.