Al (and others!)
I have to say that your writings and subsequent conversations spurred by them, have 180* changed how I care for my containerized plantings. The two biggest changes thus far have been switching to a fast draining mix (5-1-1), and letting the soil dry between waterings as shown by a wooden tell. This last part is so counterintuitive from what greenhouses, nurseries, and plant centers will tell you to do. If I didn't take the leap last year and witness the power of these two changes, I would still be a doubter, watering when my finger knuckle said the soil was "dry". THANK YOU!
This thread is about trees in containers, which I take to mean any woody plant. I have five plants, across four species, that I consider "woody", and would like your advice on when to root prune, prune and repot.
In terms of planting media, I have plenty of 5-1-1 on hand and like the watering frequency this mix allows. I am not sure that gritty mix is for my lifestyle, in that it needs to be watered more frequently.
Nashia inaguensis
This is in a 5"x5" terracotta pot and is VERY rootbound. I have read these need to be root pruned yearly. When is the best time to do this? If I bareroot, root prune and do some top pruning, can I also put into a bigger pot, or should it stay in the pot it is in? I don't mind it getting larger, I am not looking to keep it the size it is.
Osmanthus fragrans
I have two.
First is in a 6" unglazed clay pot I did an emergency repot last month due to serious failing health. Should this be left alone for 2019 and just cared for? I plan to topdress with some CSM around May, as this is what Logee's recommends. They say no FP or other synthetic fert.
Second is in a 2.5" plastic pot with roots literally crawling up and out of the top of the container. I want this to get big and have loads and loads of delicious smelling flowers next fall. If I am going to bareroot, put in 5-1-1 and up-pot, should I do any root pruning or leave the roots be? Would you suggest a 4" or 6" pot for this?
Aglaia odorata
This is in a bark based mix, and currently in a 6" plastic pot. again, I want to get it into 5-1-1, bareroot it, and if needed do some root pruning and traditional pruning. Same story as above, it smells wonderful and I want it to put on some size. That being said is a bigger pot necessary?
Operculicarya decaryi
This is in an odd container - it is plastic, 3.5" square at top, but is 5" tall. Currently in a pat based mix, which is rock hard and has roots jumping out. I want this to eventually be thick, with gnarled bark and in a floor standing pot. I want this to be what folks see upon entering my home and have it become a conversation starter.
With all of these, when is the best time to repot for where I live (Boston, MA), and should they all go into unglazed clay pots? Open to, and excited to hear, any and all advice! If photos are needed, I am happy to upload.
Q