Summer repotting of tropicals

[cheap_walmart_art]

Researching through old threads i often see advice to repot tropicals in the summertime. Can anyone elaborate as to why this is best practice?

I have a schefflerra thats really doing well right now and id like to get it into a ceramic bonsai pot instead of the plastic that its in. It stays outside all summer and i bring it in under grow lights in the winter time.

Also, when repotting tropicals is it best to defoliate some? I was thinking about chopping down that tall leader a bit.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

Yes it is best to do work in the summer or late spring. When the trees are in full growth mode. That gives them the best chance to recover. Conditions are optimal for root growth. Healthy roots will equal a healthy canopy. Also yes you can trim now. Use directional pruning if you cut it.

 

[Forsoothe!]

And, usually you put it back in full sun right away.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I have a fellow club member who is expert in Luma apendiculata - a tropical guava relative. He always defoliates when he repots. And he repots this tree in late summer.

On an individual species basis, some will benefit, or even require defoliation at the time of repotting. If you are doing design work, pruning on a ficus, and radical root work, you might actually benefit by complete defoliation all at once. And cut the terminal buds of all branches at the same time. This should stimulate an explosion of back buds if the tree was vigorous before the repotting. If the tree is weak, do not totally defoliate. Do not prune all terminal buds. This is a procedure for healthy trees only

 

[Nanuk]

I'm glad you asked that question cwa. I was just wondering about repotting my Schefflera.
I guess I'm good to go.

 

[cheap_walmart_art]

I'm glad you asked that question cwa. I was just wondering about repotting my Schefflera.
I guess I'm good to go.

Haha, schefflerra buddies! I'll likely repot mine in the next werk or two. I picked it up in Hawaii from Fuku bonsai and i want to maintain his "Hawaiian Dragon" styling, so ill be perusing his website for inspirado.

 

[Ali Raza]

Reppotted my banyan ficus yesterday. It was fine.

 

[sixemkay]

Reppotted my banyan ficus yesterday. It was fine.

How is it doing now?

I’m thinking of repotting mine now too...hope yours is thriving