[Fukien Tea] Found some roots coming out of drainage holes. Is it time to repot?

[JoeytheCarmona]

Seen that my Fukien Tea has a lot of new shoot growth and I read that I should check the drainage hole to see if it's becoming root bound since the shoots may be growing as a way to have the roots grow upward. Sure enough, I found some growing out.

The thing is that I last repotted maybe two months ago and cut some of the roots off then. Does this mean that I have to do it again or is it best to leave it alone for a bit longer? Picture shown below.

Also, if anyone can recommend the best type of soil for this type of tree I'd appreciate it!

 

[Shibui]

Roots grow out and down. That means the first place the roots reach is the drain holes at the bottom of the pot. This is NOT an indication that the tree is pot bound or that it needs repotting.
Check for repotting is press down on the soil surface. If it compresses under your finger there's still plenty of spaces for air and more roots. If the soil feels really hard and solid that means all the spaces are full of roots or the soil mix has deteriorated and repot is required. In most cases trees can go 3-5 years before a repot, sometimes longer. Some fast growing trees in smaller containers are an exception and usually need repot every year or 2.

The best soil mix is the one you know and trust. Fukien Tea will grow in any good potting soil but it's up to you to match watering and other care to the type of soil and tree's needs.

 

[JoeytheCarmona]

Thanks for the input!

 

[Attmos]

Roots grow out and down. That means the first place the roots reach is the drain holes at the bottom of the pot. This is NOT an indication that the tree is pot bound or that it needs repotting.
Check for repotting is press down on the soil surface. If it compresses under your finger there's still plenty of spaces for air and more roots. If the soil feels really hard and solid that means all the spaces are full of roots or the soil mix has deteriorated and repot is required. In most cases trees can go 3-5 years before a repot, sometimes longer. Some fast growing trees in smaller containers are an exception and usually need repot every year or 2.

The best soil mix is the one you know and trust. Fukien Tea will grow in any good potting soil but it's up to you to match watering and other care to the type of soil and tree's needs.

Unfortunately I can't remember the person's name, but I recently read an article by a guy saying that he keeps his trees root bound as part of creating a bonsai. He says allowing one to grow freely doesn't help stunt them as would happen in nature.

Any thoughts?

 

[Shibui]

Unfortunately I can't remember the person's name, but I recently read an article by a guy saying that he keeps his trees root bound as part of creating a bonsai. He says allowing one to grow freely doesn't help stunt them as would happen in nature.

This all depends what you want from your tree.
Most bonsai growers are starting with immature stock and don't want to wait 50 years so the aim is to get the tree to grow fast and thicken up. You'll get the opposite if you let the trees get pot bound.
Limiting growth by keeping trees pot bound should give short growth with short internodes which usually gives great ramification - if you can wait long enough or if your trunk is already a good size and well formed.
One of the negatives I've noticed with root bound bonsai is root rot. Air plays a very important role in root health. Root bound soil has very little air and I've lost several older trees to suspected root rot. The common factor, apart from age of tree, was being root bound.
There's also much less spaces for water to penetrate the soil. That means watering more often just to stop the trees wilting.

My experience is that regularly repotted trees grow faster and are healthier. Pruning will counteract fast growth but it's much harder to counteract root problems.
Others may well have positive experience with root bound trees but I'll keep on with regular repotting.

 

[Attmos]

This all depends what you want from your tree.
Most bonsai growers are starting with immature stock and don't want to wait 50 years so the aim is to get the tree to grow fast and thicken up. You'll get the opposite if you let the trees get pot bound.
Limiting growth by keeping trees pot bound should give short growth with short internodes which usually gives great ramification - if you can wait long enough or if your trunk is already a good size and well formed.
One of the negatives I've noticed with root bound bonsai is root rot. Air plays a very important role in root health. Root bound soil has very little air and I've lost several older trees to suspected root rot. The common factor, apart from age of tree, was being root bound.
There's also much less spaces for water to penetrate the soil. That means watering more often just to stop the trees wilting.

My experience is that regularly repotted trees grow faster and are healthier. Pruning will counteract fast growth but it's much harder to counteract root problems.
Others may well have positive experience with root bound trees but I'll keep on with regular repotting.

Good to know. Thank you.