Thoughts on repotting a flowering quince

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So I've had this flowering quince hanging out in my collection for a couple years now. I don't do much to it except prune back when it gets crazy and have been pruning into a vaguely windswept look. I'd really like to do something about these roots and lower it in the pot. I had originally planned on repotting it in Spring, but as per usual when doing some internet research, conflicting opinions as to when the best time to repot abound. My understanding is that a spring repotting increases the chance for harmful nematodes, mitigated for a fall repot. I figure I have three choices:

1) Aggressive - Figure that we are still technically in Fall weather, repot now and follow up with daily aftercare based on temperatures. We will have some freezing weather here over the next night or two, but then series of days afterward where the weather will be mild. Tree will be moved into attached unheated garage during freezing weather.

2) Original plan - Repot when I normally would in Spring, do all the normal Spring aftercare.

3) Conservative - Just wait and deal with the damn thing earlier next Fall.

What do you all think?

 

[Clicio]

So I've had this flowering quince hanging out in my collection for a couple years now. I don't do much to it except prune back when it gets crazy and have been pruning into a vaguely windswept look. I'd really like to do something about these roots and lower it in the pot. I had originally planned on repotting it in Spring, but as per usual when doing some internet research, conflicting opinions as to when the best time to repot abound. My understanding is that a spring repotting increases the chance for harmful nematodes, mitigated for a fall repot. I figure I have three choices:

1) Aggressive - Figure that we are still technically in Fall weather, repot now and follow up with daily aftercare based on temperatures. We will have some freezing weather here over the next night or two, but then series of days afterward where the weather will be mild. Tree will be moved into attached unheated garage during freezing weather.

2) Original plan - Repot when I normally would in Spring, do all the normal Spring aftercare.

3) Conservative - Just wait and deal with the damn thing earlier next Fall.

What do you all think?

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I do repot in the Spring, and no.problems up to now.
But my climate is different from yours.

 

[River's Edge]

Here is a quote from Michael Hagedorn. He is a recognized Bonsai master and expert on flowering quince. If you google his name and check out his Blog information, you will find a lot of very valuable information.
"The Japanese repot in the fall to reduce the possibility of infection from a nematode that can cause some of the more serious problems with this tree. Although it is of the rose family, and has its share of those diseases, this nematode is the worst problem that it can have. If you repot in the fall, protection through the winter is the most important thing. Try to avoid freezing. So if you have a greenhouse or similar protection, fall repotting is not a bad idea. I have not had problems repotting in the spring in Oregon, however. Also, it is a good idea to leave a lot of root on the older trees, so don’t be too aggressive in removing soil and roots. Sometimes the Satsuki technique of removing pie shaped wedges is a good technique, because Chojubai also have fine roots like azaleas."
I have several Chojubai for the past seven years, I have had no difficulty repotting in the spring following Michaels training tips. Use deeper containers, avoid aggressive root work and keep the plants well watered. The soil mix I use for young developing plants is inorganic, medium to small particle size ( well sifted) Equal parts Akadama, Lava, Pumice and granite grit. For cuttings and older established Bonsai I switch to Akadama and Kanuma mix similar to Azalea.

Direct response to your situation. I would consider it to late in the fall for fall repot without a greenhouse and lots of aftercare! I would wait till spring and do a careful job of repotting, treating the roots with care and avoiding excess damage. It is more likely the manner in which the spring repotting was done or other variables involved, as opposed to the time of year. Unless of course nematodes were involved.
Hope this additional information helps, Michaels posts will give you a lot of detail to help with Quince.

 

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Here is a quote from Michael Hagedorn. He is a recognized Bonsai master and expert on flowering quince. If you google his name and check out his Blog information, you will find a lot of very valuable information.
"The Japanese repot in the fall to reduce the possibility of infection from a nematode that can cause some of the more serious problems with this tree. Although it is of the rose family, and has its share of those diseases, this nematode is the worst problem that it can have. If you repot in the fall, protection through the winter is the most important thing. Try to avoid freezing. So if you have a greenhouse or similar protection, fall repotting is not a bad idea. I have not had problems repotting in the spring in Oregon, however. Also, it is a good idea to leave a lot of root on the older trees, so don’t be too aggressive in removing soil and roots. Sometimes the Satsuki technique of removing pie shaped wedges is a good technique, because Chojubai also have fine roots like azaleas."
I have several Chojubai for the past seven years, I have had no difficulty repotting in the spring following Michaels training tips. Use deeper containers, avoid aggressive root work and keep the plants well watered. The soil mix I use for young developing plants is inorganic, medium to small particle size ( well sifted) Equal parts Akadama, Lava, Pumice and granite grit. For cuttings and older established Bonsai I switch to Akadama and Kanuma mix similar to Azalea.

Direct response to your situation. I would consider it to late in the fall for fall repot without a greenhouse and lots of aftercare! I would wait till spring and do a careful job of repotting, treating the roots with care and avoiding excess damage. It is more likely the manner in which the spring repotting was done or other variables involved, as opposed to the time of year. Unless of course nematodes were involved.
Hope this additional information helps, Michaels posts will give you a lot of detail to help with Quince.

Thanks for the info - I have a lot of respect for Hagedorn's work, he's always a good read. I lurked around bnut awhile longer this afternoon and have seen enough that I wouldn't be too worried about just waiting for Spring to repot like I had planned. Especially as I just want to reduce the roots some and put it back in the same pot to continue training it. I'm really curious to see how that giant mound of moss and root mass is composed. I've been cutting suckers off of it all summer.