Repotting a Giant Wisteria Stump in the Rain

[@mattbrennan647]

Nice to have an assistant on the project. Great potential. Thanks

[@smokyhillbonsai-gerrettmor6373]

I’m grateful the kids love being outside! They’re usually good help!

[@frkid247]

I see you comment a lot on here Matt are you in a club anywhere?

[@mattbrennan647]

No, just an enthusiast

[@joem2745]

Nice find. Keep doing good work man!

[@GreatLakesBonsai]

This is an epic trunk! Liking the styling of canopy so far as well.

[@smokyhillbonsai-gerrettmor6373]

Thanks! This plant grew in the ground at the zoo for several years. The maintenance department asked if I could remove it so they could make some repairs on an animal exhibit viewing area that it was growing on. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one!

[@dudesjirbonsai]

Great job Sir!

[@smokyhillbonsai-gerrettmor6373]

Thank you kindly!

[@helenaragon6539]

love that huge trunk!!!!!

[@smokyhillbonsai-gerrettmor6373]

So do I! I hope it holds together when I re pot it next spring. Thanks for watching!

[@BostonBonsaiIdiot]

Hey man, I'm digging deep into your wisteria videos. I collected a giant one, maybe a little too late in the spring this year, but it's bounced back pretty well. Has a giant trunk like this one but no branch structure. Will make a vid for that soon, would love your input on how to build the structure so nicely. Cheers!

[@smokyhillbonsai-gerrettmor6373]

Hi! I'm really enjoying working with my wisteria. I am the horticulturist at our local zoo and from time to time get to salvage cool material like this big stump. If I remember correctly, after digging I potted the plant in a rather large nursery container using turface MVP. The wisteria leafed out fine that first year, I didn't cut it back at all that summer. The first winter I healed it in around other starter plants and packed mulch and leaves around them. Again the following summer I let the plant grow as much as it wanted. At the time I was still trying to figure out the fertilizing process for small trees. I actually used biogold. Probably could have used something less expensive. Mid August I pruned the plant off the fence and trimmed it back not worrying about where the cuts were made. I think it was the third year when I made the first video. I simply cut back into the canopy leaving two or three leaves. I began using Osmocote Plus to fertilize with. I re-potted it for the first time this spring and was happy with the roots. Basically, I just let it grow, protecting it in the winter, and used Osmocte Plus. I hope this is somewhat helpful. I will be anxiously waiting for your wisteria video!

[@BostonBonsaiIdiot]

@@smokyhillbonsai-gerrettmor6373 wow, cool gig! I stripped mine to basically just the stump so it will be all from scratch. This is very helpful, from the process down to the fertilizer. Thanks so much for the thoughtful response, will get that collection video out ASAP.

[@laurancemagickdennis8533]

The big roots you cut off with feeder roots on them won’t or have made beautiful root cuttings

[@frkid247]

I always have liked that one a lot!

[@chloskyskies4399]

Was randomly recommended this. Cool tree tho!

[@smokyhillbonsai-gerrettmor6373]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for checking our my channel. Are you growing bonsai?

[@kevinwilkes5969]

Nice job bud.

[@smokyhillbonsai-gerrettmor6373]

Thanks!

[@aylasurfdiva]

Help my mother just passed away and I'm scared her bonsei wisteria could go also. The bark from the soil to about 3 inches up is peeling off.

[@smokyhillbonsai-gerrettmor6373]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom passing away. How does the foliage look? The wisteria is a water loving plant and may need watered often. I also wonder if the plant is still sitting in the same location your mom had it? if it's been moved is it still outside and in the sun? Do you live in an area that may have a bonsai club or store? I am sorry I didn't see the you question sooner.

[@gerryd6853]

What’s the best time of the year to repot? My wisteria needs repotting soon

[@smokyhillbonsai-gerrettmor6373]

Sorry for the slow reply. The best time is in the spring just as the buds are about to open up. Good luck with your wisteria and thank you for watching!