Question

Pachira  

pachira   Hi there!  I could use some expertise!  I have owned this plant for five years.  Its doing relatively well, but I have noticed that the soil is slowly disappearing (usually drains through bottom of pot when watering).  The bottom of the tree is starting to pop through the soil, and I am considering repotting, but am hesitant as I do not want to damage it in any way.  It's set in a bonzai type pot, rectangular in shape, 9.5 inches by 7.5 inches.  It stands 4.5 inches high.  The plant itself measured from bottom of pot stands at 41" high.  Small pebbles have been "set" around the perimeter of the pot (almost appears like they were glued in as they cannot be moved).  There are also 2 large pieces of rock (porous, perhaps pumice)? placed close to the main stem.
My question is, have the roots outgrown this pot?  Is repotting necessary, or should I just replenish the soil top.  If so, what type of soil would you recommend.
Thank you so much for your time.  It was a Father's Day Gift for my husband 5 years ago, and I'm so relieved I've been able to keep it alive!
Sincerely,
Lu-Anne

Answer
Hi Lu-Anne,

Caring for Bonsais of any species is a challenge. Bonsai means keeping a plant miniaturized. That means the visible portion of the plant as well as the roots should be pruned back regularly. That is not an easy chore unless you have had considerable experience with it.

Your Pachira has grown very tall because it was not pruned and it has now outgrown its pot. Of course, it was not potted very well initially if it has glued on pebbles and lacks a mesh liner to prevent soil from washing through the drainage holes. The lava rock pieces were probably put there for decorative reasons although they may have been inserted to support the trunk.

Frankly, you have done a remarkable job in keeping your Pachira alive for 5 years. It appears that the lower portion of the stem is damaged, perhaps from the stones or from improper watering. If that damage progresses, there may not be anything you can do to save the plant.

At this point, given the age and fragile condition of the plant, I do NOT recommend attempting to repot or root prune. Pruning back the top may be warranted, but I cannot see the rest of the plant, so I cannot say for sure. Adding soil to the top will not help anything. The loss of soil may mean that it needs to be watered  a bit more frequently.

The bottom line is that you have succeeded with your Pachira for 5 years and it is "doing relatively well." So I strongly recommend that you not make any significant changes in its care. Just remember that it will not live forever so enjoy your success as long as you have it.

I have written articles on bonsia and on Pachira care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com