Parrots Beak

[Plantnut143]

New Parrots Beak~My 1st. I’m debating if I should repot it now or wait until March. It was purchased from a Colorado nursery and is adjusting to life in NY. The roots look strong but are sprouting out from the bottom of the pot so I’m wondering if it’s root-bound and if a repot now would make it happier?

 

[Forsoothe!]

No, tropicals should be repotted when they are vigorously growing; May-June for us, especially in the north, when they also have enough time to fully recover before our sun begins to wane. In their home range there are different rules. Meanwhile, you can study up on the different styles that are possible, buy a likely pot and chose a path for you to follow, long term to arrive at your goal.

 

[Shibui]

Agree. All the tropical and sub- tropical species I have worked with do so much better if repotted in warmer weather. Wait til late spring or early summer to do any root pruning.

Just because there are a few roots showing at the drain holes does not mean the plant is root bound. New roots grow out and down. The first place they end up is drain holes, way before the pot is full of roots. With the potting soil I use here the best indication of pot bound is that the soil cannot be compressed when pressed with a finger. If the surface gives a little there is still plenty of space for more roots. I know this will not work as well if the soil is finer particles and I have not used totally inorganic potting soil but it appears to be the best indicator for my conditions.
Another way to check is to gently slide the tree out of the pot and check root condition - hand over the surface then invert the pot and gently tap the pot up to loosen it and lift it off. If the soil threatens to fall apart it is not root bound so just turn the pot back and continue normal care.

 

[Plantnut143]

Thank you !!! I’m going to definitely hold off on repotting until May. I have high hopes for this little Bonsai.

 

[Forsoothe!]

If you go to the upper right hand corner and click on your Icon, you can add your location and people will be able to customize advice for you.

 

[Potawatomi13]

If wishing any decently bigger trunk growing box or pot is needed and Bonsai pot is last thing needed. Also trunk is boringly straight/uninteresting so once established in new growing container plans begin to develop more interesting style. Please don't begin this until trunk has gotten to desired size.

 

[Carol 83]

Don't be surprised if it drops some leaves just from the change of environment, mine always do when they come inside. Give it as much light as you can and don't let it dry out completely.