How to Repot a Braided Indoor Bonsai Tree

Repot your braided indoor bonsai about every two to three years, just as the tree becomes root-bound within its container. Adjust the repotting schedule to every one to two years for more vigorous money trees. Complete the process in the early spring, just before the onset of the growing season. Allow the soil to dry slightly before repotting.

Remove the braided bonsai gently from its container and set it on a clean, flat surface. Use a sharp, sterile root hook to reduce the bottom and sides of the root-bound system. Remove about one-third of the root mass with the root hook.

Inspect the braided bonsai’s root system closely and remove any dead and wilted roots from the system with sharp, sterile shears. Trim the ends of the entire root system back as if you were giving your hair a trim. Avoid trimming away more than one-third of the root system.

Prepare a well-drained potting container for the braided bonsai. Choose a container that is slightly deeper than the root system and about two-thirds the width of the canopy’s diameter. Affix fine wire mesh over each of the container’s drainage holes. Feel free to reuse its original potting container. Clean the container thoroughly with warm water and soap and dry it thoroughly.

Incorporate a porous, loamy soil environment. Mix somewhat equal amounts of nutrient-rich soil and small pebbles to promote adequate ventilation throughout. Line the bottom third of the braided bonsai’s prepared container with the soil mixture. Never reuse old soil.

Position the braided bonsai in the center of the prepared container. Fill the remainder of the container with soil mixture cover all of the plant roots. Press the soil gently but firmly around the braided bonsai’s base to ensure its upright position.

Irrigate the newly repotted braided bonsai thoroughly with tepid water. Pour the water evenly around the bonsai until the unused water begins to run from the drainage holes. Place the braided bonsai in a warm, sunny location that receives at least four to six hours of bright sunlight each day. Select a location that is away from direct temperature variations, such as near air conditioners and heating vents.