Shimpaku juniper

Hello,
I recently picked up a awesome shimpaku from my recent nursery hopping outing around Northern Va.
I was wondering if it is ok to go ahead and get it into a nice larger pot with minimal root disturbance or should i wait till spring?
It is currently root bound.
Thanks!
Bryan

You are a bit more north than I am. I just bought a large one also, and I'm leaving it in its pot over the winter. Being potbound won't kill it; you just have to be careful when you water that the whole rootball is soaked. It won't need as much water in winter, anyway.

Thanks jim!

rrubberbandman wrote:Hello,
I recently picked up a awesome shimpaku from my recent nursery hopping outing around Northern Va.
I was wondering if it is ok to go ahead and get it into a nice larger pot with minimal root disturbance or should i wait till spring?
It is currently root bound.
Thanks!
Bryan

There is also the possibility that it is still producing new roots and a bit larger pot would help. What are your plans for it in the spring?

Twisted Trees wrote:

rrubberbandman wrote:Hello,
I recently picked up a awesome shimpaku from my recent nursery hopping outing around Northern Va.
I was wondering if it is ok to go ahead and get it into a nice larger pot with minimal root disturbance or should i wait till spring?
It is currently root bound.
Thanks!
Bryan

There is also the possibility that it is still producing new roots and a bit larger pot would help.  What are your plans for it in the spring?

Grow it big and try to create some deadwood.
informal windswept maybe?

rrubberbandman wrote:Grow it big and try to create some deadwood.
informal windswept maybe?

I would say to go ahead and put it in a larger pot now. Loosen the roots a bit around the outside without disturbing the interior too much. Next fertilize the heck out of it. I'm not sure if a high nitrogen is good right now or not: it depends on it's current health. Certainly high phosphorous (second number) such as "bloom plus" would be highly recommended as this promotes good root growth.

Twisted Trees wrote:

rrubberbandman wrote:Grow it big and try to create some deadwood.
informal windswept maybe?

I would say to go ahead and put it in a larger pot now.  Loosen the roots a bit around the outside without disturbing the interior too much.  Next fertilize the heck out of it.  I'm not sure if a high nitrogen is good right now or not: it depends on it's current health.  Certainly high phosphorous (second number) such as "bloom plus" would be highly recommended as this promotes good root growth.

Thanks a bunch!!!

rrubberbandman wrote:

Twisted Trees wrote:

rrubberbandman wrote:Grow it big and try to create some deadwood.
informal windswept maybe?

I would say to go ahead and put it in a larger pot now.  Loosen the roots a bit around the outside without disturbing the interior too much.  Next fertilize the heck out of it.  I'm not sure if a high nitrogen is good right now or not: it depends on it's current health.  Certainly high phosphorous (second number) such as "bloom plus" would be highly recommended as this promotes good root growth.

Thanks a bunch!!!

See if you can manage to hook up with Julian Adams in Lynchburg, VA. He could have a lot to offer in furthering your bonsai knowledge.