Bunjin/literati pot question

I understand that a bunjin tree looks ideal in a smaller pot, but how does one make the determination of what size pot to use. Has anyone ever thought of a tree to pot ratio for bunjin/literati?




This Eastern Larch is approximately 39" (1m) tall and has a roughly 16-19" (40-48cm) branch width from left to right. The current training pot in the photo has a 12" (30cm) diameter. I think the current diameter would work with a shallower pot. I am planning on putting this tree in a rustic nanban pot this spring, but I'm stuck on what diameter pot to use. Any help would be appreciated.

It would be good for you, in a "perfect world" kinda way, to have several pots to choose from of varying styles and sizes. Your tree has a large crown so you're going to need to find the right width and depth to give it stability. No real rule of thumb to go by, and that depth/width ratio is going to change from pot to pot, tree to tree. With bunjin, there really are a lot of options and they all lend a different "feeling" to the composition.

I like your nanban idea, will your tree's root system allow a wide, shallow-ish pot?

The pot I'm thinking about is 13" 3" deep. The root system should be fine.

That sounds reasonable, any chance of seeing them together?

Not yet, I'll post the combo when I repot.

Hello Chris

IMO your tree hasn't got the final stage of "design" it needs a few more years of developement.
I would prefer a much smaller crown (....but thats also personell)....so you will than need a smaller pot.

Kind regards
Martin