The tree is about three years old and has been in this plastic bonsai growing pot for about two years.
Pruning and defoliating reveal the structure of the tree.
After wiring and ready for repotting. The roots need more work than the above ground part of the tree.
The tree will go into the larger sized cement growing pot on the left. I have put some wet sand over a screen covering the hole in the bottom.
John Naka once told me that when one is growing bonsai, one is "really growing roots." After this photo I removed one (unseen) large crossing root.
The tree has been planted in the larger pot in an upright attitude, leaning slightly forward (to the left). I will cover the soil with a layer of
wet sand to temporarily provide firmness for the planted position. It also helps to keep soil from washing away during daily watering.
Pau hana (Hawaiian for "after work"). Now to let it grow for two more years in this pot. Shade for now, then I will move into full sun over the course
of a month. The wire will come off in a month or two as I keep an eye out for wire marks as the tree grows.
Email Richard dot J dot Wagner at gmail dot com