Early spring, when its starting to push buds might be best. Late winter could still give you freezes that might damage roots that have been recently trimmed. I'm not sure about that particular species, but Acers in general (excepting Japanese Maples) can take pretty severe root pruning so don't worry too much. I wouldn't put it in TOO shallow a pot though as some of them like more water. I haven't done my research on A. pens... though so thats up to you. WF

Hi Ron, I've only been growing violets for 33 years so you've got me by a few years. I've relocated 5 times. I agree with you about keeping everything clean. Where we live has much to do about the culture we can provide our plants. I know what you mean about thrips, but to be honest, I haven't had them in 9 years. We do have a rash of red spiders each spring, but even if they make it into my growing room they are easy enough to eliminate. I really think that removing the roots and soil a plant arrives in does lots to elimate thrips! I sort of agree with Irina about soil mealy eggs though. I think they can stay dormant for years, and then they just show up. They do show up unexpectedly for me from time to time, but are easy enough to control with marathon. Wish, I hope you are taking this all in. I read the whole thread again tonight, rather than just the replies. And feel I do have to reply to question 5. Horticultural charcoal is good to add to your mix, but make sure to sterilize your mix by baking it if you do. Charcoal does remove impurities, but it can also hold fungus and mold spores and release them into the mix unless you take the proper steps. I use charcoal, and some dolomite lime in my mix, because we have acidic water where I live. Russell

I'm not a mango expert but try posting in the tropical fruit forum you will get advice from people who grow mangos. Not saying anyone on the citrus forum shouldn't grow mangos.

Ok wont pune for a while. But what is the best time of the year to re-pot it? i know that right before flowering is when there is not as much energy stored in the roots bc it is being disperced to the branches for flowers and fruit production. But this is my first year with the tree and im not sure when flowering will be? Yes, i plan to plant it in the ground one day. maybe 2 more years.