Holes on side & base - helps in better aeration & air pruning of roots.
Source : shapeways.com
Source : shapeways.com
I have
seen articles/videos of many bonsai experts using large traditional
plastic / ceramic pots for bonsai training, with ZERO concept of
air-pruning ! In their bonsai repotting articles/videos also, I see root-bound plants & less fibrous root growth.
And I
wonder how can these bonsai experts / legends not know or not practice air
pruning. Its unbelievable ! They have the knowledge of akadama soil imported from Japan but use ordinary pots with no air-pruning and root aeration facility. I can't think of even one good reason why ! Are they
waiting for the Japanese bonsai masters to adopt it first ? I am all for screwing tradition and adopting modern science. After learning about air-pruning 3 months into my bonsai hobby, I am now converting all my pots to allow this and I also see the evidence in my roots during repotting.
If you don't like the traditional bonsai pot to be full of holes then opt for holes only on the base. I hate the usual 2-4 holes in bonsai pots. That is so inadequate !
Holes only on base. Has the benefit of a traditional looking bonsai pot.
Source : shapeways.com
Source : bonsaibardo.com
Wonder why bonsai pots with holes like these are not made ? They are better than pots with just 2 holes.
Source : google image search
Custom Bonsai Pots For Air Pruning
My Home-Made Solutions :
Air-Pruning Final Pot
Make holes at will & easily with a soldering gun.
Air-Pruning Bonsai Training Pots
You can stack the air pot inside another better looking & bigger pot, as shown below. I now use the training plant as an ornamental plant, inside my home, instead of pushing it into one corner on my balcony, like earlier. Some greenery inside the house looks nice.
Colanders & net pots are also a cheap & good solution. Just do an image search for colander bonsai and be surprised. These seem to be used mainly by amateurs.
Another solution for air pruning in traditional bonsai pots is to raise the pot bottom using a netted plastic sheet, leaving a layer of air between soil and pot bottom.
Illustration by Vinny Chirayil
Nylon Bag
(Meant For Storing Veggies in Fridge)
Hi Vinny!
ReplyDeleteHave you researched what effects air pruning has on the development of the nebari? This surely is very important for bonsai growers ...
Jens Lindworsky
Hi Jens, I believe you got my mail on this.
Deletesee my pot
ReplyDeletepage Instagram @idbonsaime
ReplyDelete