re-potting

Hi all,
I have been hooked on bonsai since 2005 when I brought my first tree. It was a Serrisa which died but I took a cutting and it is still alive today! Although I find myself battling to keep it alive during winter when I have bring the tree indoors, because all my windows have heaters under them.
Anyway back to the point I dont class myself as a novice with bonsai my knowledge is not to bad and I have re-potted a few trees in my time but I Have A pretty nice mountain Maple clump the one on my profile pic and Im a bit unsure about re-potting it myself and I was going to ask a well known Bonsai artist to come and give me a workshop at the right time just before the buds break.
Basically can I go wrong in a big way or not ?
There is a few surface roots that need sorting due to crossing and so on the pot I will be using is the same size and shape and I will be using pure akadama seived and graded.
I know to keep the tree out of harsh sunlight and do not feed for a month after.
Please can you give me some advice.
Many thanks.

kingbean wrote:Hi all,
I find myself battling to keep it alive during winter when I have bring the tree indoors, because all my windows have heaters under them.

As you have found, your Serissa (sic) doesn't like much heat during the winter. Can you turn one of the heaters off? Serissa also like more humidity. Try putting the plant in a baggie for the winter.
Where are you in England? If it doesn't get too cold, your Serissa might do better if you leave it outdoors in a protected location. They are said to be naturalized in the vicinity of Atlanta, Georgia.
Iris

Im in london middlesex and my house gets quite cold in the winter so not able to turn a heater off.

Hi! Repotting such a nice bonsai is an important process but you could hardly go wrong if you have a recognized master or bonsai artist come to help.

Here's an article I wrote that might help, too.
Repotting an Established Bonsai

Good luck!
Chris

London is in USDA Zone 9. Serissa japonica is listed as hardy to Zone 9. Ergo, your tree can be wintered outdoors, with the pot in the ground, & covered with something. Meanwhile, this year keep it as cool as possible. Put a plastic bag over it to raise the humidity.
Iris

Thanks Iris, thanks Chris.