Choosing a Bonsai Pot

Many people have asked me how I choose a pot for a bonsai. In this video I take you through the thought process of choosing a pot.
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[@1969wareid]

today i turned 50 years old - i am celebrating by watching bonsai videos....and im very happy with that

[@justlatasha2401]

@read I love the simplicity in the statement.

[@booyaka870]

Today I turned 32 and I am celebrating by watching bonsai videos....and I'm very happy with that

[@erich9779]

own one while u have life left.

[@broccolifireminecraft6367]

I just threw my computer. Literally threw it across the room because online school is so MONSTROUSLY FRUSTRATING. This account is the only thing that calmed me down so thank you.

[@apriliaric]

What muppets gave this thumbs down... We are truly blessed to have such a honest and supportive teacher to the art of Bonsai.... Thank you so much for your videos... Peter Chan...

[@geofftrivers5078]

Ric Smith thumbs down peeps must be disappointed that the video is not about that other pot!

[@SyriusStarMultimedia]

There has to be a place where mean doesn’t exist. Peter is so peaceful.

[@angie3504]

Ric morons not muppets... i agree there’s a huge difference between a master and a master ‘want to be’

[@plips71755]

I agree - what did he do to garner 41 down votes. It’s sorta like in another video where he said some people would be telling him what he was doing wrong and he advised his goal wasn’t to say you had to do it his way - but to give people options. Of course he probably takes a more gracious approach to these obnoxious people who hide behind their computer screens than I might. I would have liked to have advised the individual(s) - when you have worked in bonsai for 45-50 years; published 9 books, been asked to do magazine articles , teach to other organizations, have your own exhibit at Royal Horticultural Society’s garden (Wisley); run a successful bonsai business for 34 years; win 21 gold medals just at the world famous Chelsea flower show ( he surely would have won more but quit showing in 2006); have had great success and bestowed with so much respect and honor, well - maybe you can tell a man who has accomplished so much- that he is doing it wrong. And I say “maybe” because what I listed is just the tip of the iceberg for his great career. In addition, except for basic culture errors that affect a plant’s health, or a fertilizer or chemical error - telling people their ideas (particularly design) are wrong doesn’t serve much purpose nor help anyone. We already have way too much “my way or the highway” , and it does nothing to improve our world. It is best if we can open our minds, be willing to accept our mistakes, acknowledge we were wrong and be happy to go another direction if needed. I live in the US where these characteristics are in short supply, and the word “compromise” is considered bad and makes you a weak person. It and much more is so sad. I look forward to a day when such behavior and character are not existent, nor rewarded.

[@TexasRanchu]

Well said Ric, well said.

[@personalPickle]

Just ordered from herons bonsai, great value, everything as described. They even sell used pots, bought 2 perfect bronze pots for £7 each, what a great company!

[@louisecolombi6630]

I really like the round pot, perfect choice for that tree. And the customer’s landscape is very beautiful

[@bgertsma]

I really like the new pots for those trees. I wish I could have an easier time finding bonsai pots here in America. Some day, I hope to travel to your nursery. I know I can't have a tree, but I'd love to have a pot. I'd keep it for the rest of my life!

[@kagitsune]

Same! I'd bring back a pot and some books and tools 😊📚

[@MidniteSan]

Beautiful bonsais peter, those new pots and moss really made huge impact indeed. Can't wait for the next one..

[@StyxMan08]

Peter you're the best in teaching bonsai, I wish I can meet you someday. I learned so much from all your videos, now I'm looking forward to make my first and own bonsai when I go back to the states. I got a lot of plans for my backyard in California. Keep it up Mr. Peter. More power to your channel.

[@mrhockett1]

What a great choice with the round pot or the Hornbeam! Thanks for the great instruction Mr. Chen. I live in western Washington, USA and now is the time to harvest moss. I have a ficus retusa that needs manicuring. It's a cutting from plant I received about 10 years ago. I'm always inspired watching your channel.

[@kevinanderson9335]

Thank you Peter for the suggestions regarding bonsai pot selection. The selections you made, in my opinion, actually improved the appearance of the trees. The beautiful Korean Hornbeam (my opinion) looks more awesome in it's new pot. i also like the transformation of the Japanese 5 Needle Pine looks great in it's new pot as well. Your cake method will come in handy in the future if I ever have a reason to put the method to use. Your videos have been so helpful in my experience level. Not to brag yet, I am experienced in the vegetable/houseplant field, until watching your videos I always seem to have had issues growing trees. Now I have some of my own trees growing, and am starting cuttings all over the place. Surprising myself that the cuttings are actually striking. Although I have been using willow water with the cuttings. The willow water really makes a difference in getting the cuttings to root. Enough about my growing experience, I have been introduced to what I think will be one of my favorite trees in the Korean Hornbeam If I am able to find at least 1 to purchase here in the states. A question I have is would the root portions that you cut off of the hornbeam start new plants? There didn't seem to be enough root in the trimmings. I am wondering if the plant would start new plants from root cuttings? I have noticed in other videos you suggest that some trees could be propagated from root cuttings, and am curious if this is one that could be propagated that way. Thank you again for your videos. :-)

[@wood-youknowit]

Great selection of pots. The trees look great. Thanks. You always have good comments and you respect the customers wishes.

[@peterchan3100]

Its good to be polite even if rude people insult you.

[@angie3504]

Couldn’t wait to get home from work to watch this video...thank you for this very important piece of the puzzle in making the right choice to enhance the look of your tree which you invest lots of time and effort in making. PS. Love the flamingos on your shirt 😄

[@slamboy66]

They look so happy in their new homes.

[@rickrodrigues2219]

Beautiful trees! Your videos are encouraging & very educational...thank you!

[@tallistallis4640]

Very nice...top. Beautiful pots.

[@mchlbk]

Absolutely beautiful leaves on the second tree.

[@surfjerr]

You always challenge me to extend my time in the shop ! Excellent video Peter as always !

[@prashantmohite9638]

Nice bonsai and perfect choice of pot.

[@johnfloydman7735]

Thank you for sharing 🙏 Peter . Its might be a very lucky man who is taking them amazing trees home .

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

Wow...this must be the largest bonsai nursery ever 😳👏✨✨

[@sallyhumphreys2410]

Nice choise of pots Peter, and plenty of cake to go round 😉

[@TheNatrjack965]

Great choice of pots peter ..🌳🌳🌳

[@heshamelmesalmy5950]

I am one of your fans .... thank you mr Peter.

[@stuartbaines2843]

Beautiful Trees as we expect from Peter 😀 One day i will make a visit to Herons and buy some New pots for my trees.

[@timothymartin1472]

These trees are beautiful. Wow.

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

Nice trees and great to have them go to such on obvious loving home. I like the dark pots, bought 2 myself, nice change from all my red clay development pots. I will have to look into a mica pot for the Urbandori that is 4' long, once it develops strong roots this summer I can chop off the long root since it was growing besides a cement wall. Just put all my plants back into the hoop house, it's supposed to be down to freezing for the next week, it was nice seeing them out for a couple weeks. It's a job but something to do. Moved the 100 babies to the garage so hopefully they do better there, may need to dig the pots into the ground so they can get more sun.

[@gabriellaleoni3673]

meravigliosi i tuoi bonsai! grande maestro, grazie per aver condiviso

[@Dronethat]

Wow, I'm amazed with the pot choices you have! We don't have like that in Canada even online.

[@mnilsson2704]

Such wise teacher.

[@psychorooks]

Only at 0:16, but I just had to stop and say thank you for the framing. Great shot! Anyway, back to the good stuff. Okay, as expected, good stuff. Thank you for sharing!

[@BONSAIenCORTO]

Thanks for sharing. For pine perfect choice from my point of view. I would preferred a blue painted oval pot for the hornbean, but, again, personal preference.

[@davebilkeswog2668]

always love watching your videos, you are so peaceful and dedicated. could you mention how old your trees are

[@jimbersmcimbers]

You're a braver man than I to still rock the short sleeves in this weather , Peter!

[@mralabbad7]

Maybe because they're in a green house😂

[@jimbersmcimbers]

@@mralabbad7 it's been 3 degrees in the day where I am which isn't far from Peter, greenhouse or no greenhouse, you'll feel a chill!

[@mralabbad7]

@@jimbersmcimbers then i guess you'd know better🤷‍♂️😂❄

[@googleuser6342]

He not a beaver! He from Asia!

[@peterchan3100]

@@jimbersmcimbers What I do for my KZbin fans!

[@davenichols4595]

I really like the Drum pot with the Hornbeam, the roundness of the tree match the Drum

[@harkarajrai6377]

great bonsai with great maser!

[@tatinomichin]

Wowwww, those are some pots...!!! Nice

[@26TM079]

Brilliant ❤

[@11UncleBooker22]

Very informative.

[@olivert4648]

Everytime I start watching these videos I always think that "Wow, they made a new video today! I was also working on my trees!" and then Peter mentions the date in the video, in this case 3rd of November, and then I'm like "ah..." and today's the 24th

[@thatdystopiannerd]

Lovely trees

[@briankavanagh7191]

My Pre-bonsai trees will stay in the wooden box's I have built for at least 3yrs, this will allow me to style the trees and then start considering pots for them. I think both the trees would look great in drum pots.

[@maryoverton7245]

in australia there seems to be a bit of sobbery againist mica pots. They are so hard to get now I have a small collection of them. Always loved them cause they are light and they do not seem to react to weather as much. Like when it is freezing they are not cold to the touch and when it is hot they do not cook the roots.

[@peterchan3100]

Snobbery comes from having a closed mind and when one feels threatened by alternatives which are cheaper and therefore more easily accessible to those who dont have much money. Many customers who visit our nursery do not even realise that a tree is in a Mica pot unless you point it out to them. They are so authentic.

[@Willowsilvermoon]

I agree in that the tree on the right (beautiful colors) looks best in its' original pot.

[@erickvarela2777]

Thanks for the video Peter! How much was the Hornbeam?

[@hennesseyme9112]

Wow sir, that looks so nice! What soil do you use?

[@haroldwilliams9722]

Well Done Master”P” 🙏🏿

[@bevandarke2300]

Thx I was just about to pot up my olive trees which are for my first try at bonsi they are just in normal plastic pots atm but need to put them in a proper pot

[@bevandarke2300]

Just did it put 2 little olive sapling in a nice clay pot it looks great still waiting to wire it up to train it but they looking hot

[@balesjo]

I wanted to say how much I liked the look of the hornbeam in the drum pot. The shape of the pot complemented the shape of the tree. And the customer was right about finding a dark pot for the pine. Normally I lean towards the red clay pots, but the dark color of the new one again complimented the tree, directing the viewer's attention towards the tree and less towards the pot. My only difference, based on my taste, would be to find a dark pot that has raised feet like the prior pot. I want to complement you on your beautiful inventory of bonsai pots.

[@duxproductions7281]

The Bob Ross of bonsai

[@paolomh113]

Hi Peter, could you comment about bonsai under the amount of rain and temperature changes we are having in south UK? Thank you.

[@robertobreglia2544]

Good job 👍🔝

[@duskydon]

Either would be wonderful in any garden. In its new home the Hornbeam looks at home.

[@robertfoust295]

Please explain the process and the timing of switching from natural soil to bonsai medium for newly dug small trees (a maple and an oak). I have already cut a perimeter of roots and will lift the trees in the spring. There seem to be two transitions to make: 1. From the ground to a pot. (Deep garden pot first? Straight to a shallow bonsai pot?) 2. From natural soil to bonsai medium. Should they recover in a deep pot with natural soil for a time and later trim roots to fit into a bonsai pot? If so, how long to recover in a deep pot? Straight from the ground to a shallow bonsai pot? When you trim roots to go into a bonsai pot, should you retain most or all of the natural soil at first? Transition to bonsai medium gradually or all at once? Thanks so much! Really enjoy your videos. Bob F.

[@kiwibonsai2355]

While a fan of dark pots I use a white one for a maple in afternoon sun, an effort to bring down the heat, its a notable difference on moisture loss and cooking effect. P. S , what would Mr Miyagi say plastic or old school pots?

[@kenjohnson5498]

People laugh at me because mine are in old coffee cans and food trays, but you have to start somewhere. Mine are all Folgers red lol

[@angelosvass1001]

its not stupid if it works!

[@ogLf-jk9ef]

I have recently become interested in caring for a bonsai tree, so I got one from a nursery. The problem is that I want to make the trunk larger/thicker, do I need a training pot for the root?

[@andyshelly3473]

they are god damn beautiful , i have an older iszalia maybe 30 years , i need to transplant , i will learn from this thank you , so cool .

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

Very Very pretty

[@meb1233]

I am a stone mason in New Hampshire USA . Always wanted to make pots from granite . Minus the possible weight issue would they be good for bonsai .

[@evermindification]

Dechen Dorje tuning in.

[@fahmidislam432]

Hi sir I received some white pine seeds... can you tell how should I do to plant those... as I see so many ways to plant. Some says keep in fridge some said after 24 hours of soaking in water plant them in pots and do I need to plant them in any special soil?

[@t.regnerus301]

I love mica pots.

[@jimjam6598]

Nearly at 100,000 subscribers

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks to supporters like you!

[@Eza_yuta]

@@peterchan3100 why you reply with another account?

[@DeliriumTremensTWU]

@15:59 you show the gap between the soil for the tree and the pot. Is there a reason more soil mix wasn't prepared and packed down, as is done when normally repotting?

[@Mr.Gundam7]

Hello sir thank you for your videos. I got one question? Is it hard to grow bonsai trees? What do I do for a beginner? I want to start to grow and bring this culture nature gorgeous bonsai trees on my house in Los Angeles.

[@hedlnes3202]

I’m a bonsai beginner - just repotted a small but very healthy focus ginseng in to a lot that is quite deep (probably about 18 inches - about the same height as the plant). Now I’ve read this can be bad - should I repot again into a smaller pot or will it be okay?

[@oanafl]

Great work as always, master! :) I have a question, if you'll allow me: In one of your previous videos you've mentioned that pines are impossible to grow from cuttings (or something along those lines, I don't remember exactly). I was wondering if it's impossible even when using rooting powder, because I have some amazing black pines around my place that I could take cuttings from in the spring. I tried planting some pine cuttings this year as well, but I didn't have the powder, so I'm curious if that could in fact increase the chance for roots to grow.

[@peterchan3100]

As far as I know, Pines do not propagate from cuttings. There is a site on Google which says you can propagate Pines from cuttings but it seems they are referring to "conifers" in general which is quite misleading - so not everything you read on Google is gospel truth!

[@oanafl]

@@peterchan3100 Thanks! In this case I will purchase some nursery grown pines next year and won't be bothering with planting cuttings. I really love pine bonsai. Pines and maples are my favorites for sure. I'm very thankful maples do propagate from cuttings at least. I have a big air layering project for my dissectum next year as well. Your channel has helped me a lot in my bonsai journey. Thank you so much for that! Have a good day, Peter!

[@caycanhbonsaivn4044]

bonsai quá đẹp..!

[@soumyamukherjee02]

Uncle, I wish you live for an eternity. So that I could watch you whenever I want to. 🙂

[@nailbendert4569]

Dear Mr. Chan, can you recommend a book telling me what time of year and and reasons to repot and trim the different species? I was always of the notion you could transplant anytime the were dormant.

[@peterchan3100]

You don't need a book to tell you that. Just watch my KZbin videos. I will be doing a lot more Re-potting videos from Mid February onwards - watch this space.

[@nailbendert4569]

Thank you Mr. Chan. Very grateful

[@TomTomTomTom538]

Look at all those pots! It's like smaugs lair. I've found an economic solution for prebonsai is cat litter trays.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@Tom Tom, good idea as long as you don't have cats ;)

[@manxlucky]

Did you infill around the roots with something like sphagnum moss in water or something?

[@peterchan3100]

No - I used our normal bonsai soil

[@Lennart.R.LK.Bonsai]

heaven

hi, and thanks for an awesome channel full of bonsai wisdom! much appreciated. i have one question about pots. i've been seeing some pots without drainage holes in them, even (seemingly) professional pots from China, however, most of the books and videos on the subject recommend good drainage including holes. under what circumstances, if any, would one use a pot without drainage holes? is it a "don't do this at home kind of thing" because it's difficult and only for the pros? or are there other resons involved?

[@mikealmere70]

Dear Peter, I've seen Bonsai growing on rocks, like trees in mountains do. Could you show us if you have these, or even better, explain how these are made?

[@peterchan3100]

I will do a video of this soon.

[@mikealmere70]

@@peterchan3100 thank you, I'm looking forward to that!

[@itmaslanka]

I have a bunch of small Chinese elms and my leaves have the same color right now! I’m planing using a elm in literati style , is that unusual?

[@peterchan3100]

No not unusual - if you find the right tree with a good artistic trunk it will make a good literati

[@David-bu4ef]

I agree with the customer I think, I prefer darker pots to light ones...

[@creperanch8968]

Interesting how personal tastes can be so different. I actually prefer the pine in the new pot, but the Hornbeam in the old pot! That's just due to my aesthetic tastes though, as i generally don't think many trees suit the drum style of pot. The main thing that bothered me about the original pot of the pine was less the colour and more the feet on it. I thought they were quite distracting and made the tree feel a bit ungainly. Going to a pot with very subtle feet allowed the tree to take over focus. Conversely i thought the square pot of the Hornbeam really played to the strength of the trunk, where the drum pot doesn't really give the trunk the credence that it deserves. My thoughts only though, i'm sure everyone will have different opinions on it! As long as the owner likes the changes then that's what matters.

[@neutronshiva2498]

What are thoose "maika pots"? Just a regular plastic, or some special brand? Where do you buy thoose?

[@edmundblackaddercoc8522]

Mica pots are made from very strong resin and last years, I have some of my specimens still in mica pots look great, and of course cheaper than ceramic.

[@TheBrewersDroop]

I'd would like the hornbeam in a rectangular pot with feminine touches and a burnished finish... But as you say, it's all in the beholder

[@ingeborg-anne]

I don't know how to articulate why, but the hornbeam looked far better to me in the drum pot. I think the shape was much nicer for it, though I can't really explain why that is.

[@mixn44]

How much ? any guesses ?

[@stolenqueen_]

What soil does the second tree has?

[@peterchan3100]

Its almost the same

[@MightyGodofGods]

Any guess on the sold price of the hornbeam?

[@TheBrewersDroop]

It was POA on his site, but looking at the other Korean hornbeams I'd hazard a guess at £2.5k - 3k.

[@MightyGodofGods]

@@TheBrewersDroop thanks. I knew it was more than I can afford. It's good to know the gap. I'll just have to wait a few decades for a nice tree.

[@user-ef4zi8jd7m]

Your pot shop...

[@ayelitlol9081]

THE COMMENTS ARE TURNED OFF ON THE CELEBRATION VIDEO

[@nikandluketravel]

What is wrong with large particle Akadama?

[@peterchan3100]

OK for large trees in large pots and it is also good as a drainage. layer.

[@nikandluketravel]

Thank you Sir!

[@maxinla2501]

I hope the costumer bought those bonsais

[@jamesa7506]

How much would you say the second tree weighs after "changing his clothes" ?

[@peterchan3100]

I would guess 30kg. Takes 2 men to lift.

[@jamesa7506]

@@peterchan3100 Thank you, sir. That is definitely one stout tree!

[@waynedavis6171]

Sales pitch for mica pots!

[@peterchan3100]

Not really because we sell all kinds of pots. Its just that they are relatively cheap and unbreakable.

[@pansepot1490]

The pine tree looks definitely much better in the dark pot. The customer was right to dislike the terracotta pot.

[@peterchan3100]

Not terracotta but red clay stoneware pot made in Japan and fired to 1250 C. Terracotta is fired to only 1000C

[@starscream4067]

Master, How do you protect your pots from unpredictable earthquake threats? 🤔

[@peterchan3100]

We dont have earthquakes here and besides human life is more important than bonsai pots - Mica pots are good because they dont break.

[@starscream4067]

Master, I think bubble wraps are great solutions if ever earthquake would be a threat in your area.. 😁 mica pots are very impressive! 👍 😯

[@PaulMappud]

They would have been better the other way around or with the hornbeam in a mica oval, personal opinion of course...

[@DeanKellyBonsai]

I'm surprised you chose to put trees of such age in plastic pots.

[@railspony]

Mica pots are only 15% plastic, they're 80% mica and 5% graphite, normally. The plastic is just a binder for the minerals. It is like a cement.

[@DeanKellyBonsai]

Oh that's OK then. 😂

[@peterchan3100]

Nothing wrong with that.

[@blackmagickgenetics]

Can i have some? 👀

[@zimrianispresent8123]

👽

[@24bellers20]

Mica sales pitch.😂😂😂

[@maddysgymnasticsworld670]

Someone buy that man a turntable!

[@maddysgymnasticsworld670]

*watches the rest of the video, sees tree on turntable at the end

[@rubenesparza129]

Me: aaah perfect size pot.. Him:Nope waay too big.. Me: Yup too big

[@CornellD.Cavendish]

Great mica pots, many elitists turn their nose at them.