Where to find GIANT pots?

[adamjcode]

I have been searching this forum and the internet for sources of giant bonsai pots, and it seems there are not that many options for clay -- or even mica or plastic -- containers which are over 20 inches wide.

As context, this summer I purchased this large field maple which is currently in a cut-down plastic nursery pot which measures about 25 inches in diameter. The trunk is about 8 inches wide above the roots, and the root spread is basically 24 inches (the whole diameter of the container). Next spring, I'd like to move this tree into a transitional bonsai container which will encourage leaf reduction and ramification while also looking good.

I definitely have the option of building a custom training container out of wood, and that may be what I end up doing, but I was wondering if instead I could find a large (likely Chinese) pot for the next 2-3 years?

So far I've found:

H&F Import Bonsai Pots & Supplies (link: http://www.hfimports.com/extralargepots.html) which has what I'm looking for, but I don't know if they sell retail.

Hollow Creek Bonsai (link: http://www.hollowcreekbonsai.com/ecommerce/pots/23-inch-larger-bonsai-pots.rhtml) but they may not be large enough.

Brussels Bonsai (link: http://shop.brusselsbonsai.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=8866&category=18) but this 22 inch x 17.5 inch pot is definitely not large enough.

Manhattan Bonsai (link: http://www.manhattanbonsai.com/catalog1_i1075680.html?catId=56736) 18.5 inch x 14 inch Tokoname, but also not large enough.

Any other recommendations for extra large pots?

Thanks!
Adam

 

[quietobserver]

Might try calling Brussel's. They have and get pots off and on considerably larger than what's posted. Likely don't list them online because they probably don't ship/sell many, but I've seen them out there.

 

[PiñonJ]

Here's a place, if you want to drive to North Canton, Ohio (they won't ship): http://www.kensworldofbonsai.com/id73.html

 

[BrianBay9]

These guys have a great selection of pots although they may not currently have something the size you need. They don't ship the big pots, but they do attend the Chicago show. Last year I bought a big pot from them and they brought it to the show for me.

http://bogansbonsai.com/index.html

 

[Don Blackmond]

I have a couple not listed on my website. One is a extra-large oval mica. What size do you want?

 

[Arcto]

Wee Tree had them. I'm not sure what they stock now that ownership changed. I picked up a giant oval one there I could about test float a kayak in!

 

[Cypress187]

Wuhahaha,

 

[GrimLore]

Any other recommendations for extra large pots?

If you are just keeping it in a container for a couple of years consider pond liners. They are durable and inexpensive, this one is 26 inches wide and 7 inches deep - http://www.lowes.com/pd/MacCourt-9-Gallon-Black-High-Density-Polyethylene-Pond-Liner/1112805

Grimmy

 

[aml1014]

If you are just keeping it in a container for a couple of years consider pond liners. They are durable and inexpensive, this one is 26 inches wide and 7 inches deep - http://www.lowes.com/pd/MacCourt-9-Gallon-Black-High-Density-Polyethylene-Pond-Liner/1112805

Grimmy

I like to use the 9gallon cement mixing tubs. Super durable and very inexpensive also. Basically the same as the pond liners but they're rectangle.

Aaron

 

[GrimLore]

I like to use the 9gallon cement mixing tubs. Super durable and very inexpensive also. Basically the same as the pond liners but they're rectangle.

Aaron

They must make yours stronger. Here they are pretty flimsy compared to the pond liners.

Grimmy

 

[adamjcode]

Might try calling Brussel's

Great idea! Always best to just pick up the phone, although for some reason I didn't think to do that is this case

 

[adamjcode]

Here's a place, if you want to drive to North Canton, Ohio (they won't ship): http://www.kensworldofbonsai.com/id73.html

Wow, that guy's got some insane GIANT pots indeed. Don't know that I could make the 6 hour drive each way though...

 

[adamjcode]

Wee Tree had them. I'm not sure what they stock now that ownership changed. I picked up a giant oval one there I could about test float a kayak in!

Nothing large listed on the Wee Tree website, but I can call. Thanks. I need a kayak of my own, haha.

 

[adamjcode]

They must make yours stronger. Here they are pretty flimsy compared to the pond liners.

Grimmy

I have one of the large concrete mixing tubs (from Home Depot, link: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasgad-Black-Large-Concrete-Mixing-Tub-887102C/205451585) that I use when repotting trees. I could definitely see using it as a plastic bonsai container substitute.

The pond liners Grimmy mentioned do look much more sturdy!

All of that said, I'm looking for something that looks slightly more formal and hence my desire to find something made for bonsai.

Thanks all for the recommendations. Hopefully this thread is useful to people in the future who are looking for these kind of containers.

Adam

 

[bonhe]

Whoever is living in Southern California should check this place out http://www.gogobonsai.com/#!bonsai-pottery---zisha-pots/cawp
I used to buy few big pots here 3 years ago. Really cheap for the pot quality (but you need to check the pot yourself to make sure no defect). I know few well known bonsai nurseries here bought the pots from this dealer.
Bonhe

 

[Stickroot]

I have been searching this forum and the internet for sources of giant bonsai pots, and it seems there are not that many options for clay -- or even mica or plastic -- containers which are over 20 inches wide.

As context, this summer I purchased this large field maple which is currently in a cut-down plastic nursery pot which measures about 25 inches in diameter. The trunk is about 8 inches wide above the roots, and the root spread is basically 24 inches (the whole diameter of the container). Next spring, I'd like to move this tree into a transitional bonsai container which will encourage leaf reduction and ramification while also looking good.

I definitely have the option of building a custom training container out of wood, and that may be what I end up doing, but I was wondering if instead I could find a large (likely Chinese) pot for the next 2-3 years?

So far I've found:

H&F Import Bonsai Pots & Supplies (link: http://www.hfimports.com/extralargepots.html) which has what I'm looking for, but I don't know if they sell retail.

Hollow Creek Bonsai (link: http://www.hollowcreekbonsai.com/ecommerce/pots/23-inch-larger-bonsai-pots.rhtml) but they may not be large enough.

Brussels Bonsai (link: http://shop.brusselsbonsai.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=8866&category=18) but this 22 inch x 17.5 inch pot is definitely not large enough.

Manhattan Bonsai (link: http://www.manhattanbonsai.com/catalog1_i1075680.html?catId=56736) 18.5 inch x 14 inch Tokoname, but also not large enough.

Any other recommendations for extra large pots?

Thanks!
Adam

View attachment 111770

View attachment 111772

H&F Import Bonsai Pots & Supplies Inc
4401 Sw 92 Ave. Davie, Fl 33328
Tel: ( 954 )-472-0958 Fax 954 )-472-0728
Email: bonsaipotsusa@yahoo.com
these are the people with the big pots, great prices also.

I have a 24" clayand the very bottom pot, under this MESS, is a 20x26" oval

 

[Owen Reich]

I'll be vending in Chicago in a few weeks. Please PM me as I have a number of large ceramic containers. The largest being 6 foot by 4 foot by 1 foot outside dimensions. Happy to deliver to show. Have some a few used large mica ovals as well.

I have been searching this forum and the internet for sources of giant bonsai pots, and it seems there are not that many options for clay -- or even mica or plastic -- containers which are over 20 inches wide.

As context, this summer I purchased this large field maple which is currently in a cut-down plastic nursery pot which measures about 25 inches in diameter. The trunk is about 8 inches wide above the roots, and the root spread is basically 24 inches (the whole diameter of the container). Next spring, I'd like to move this tree into a transitional bonsai container which will encourage leaf reduction and ramification while also looking good.

I definitely have the option of building a custom training container out of wood, and that may be what I end up doing, but I was wondering if instead I could find a large (likely Chinese) pot for the next 2-3 years?

So far I've found:

H&F Import Bonsai Pots & Supplies (link: http://www.hfimports.com/extralargepots.html) which has what I'm looking for, but I don't know if they sell retail.

Hollow Creek Bonsai (link: http://www.hollowcreekbonsai.com/ecommerce/pots/23-inch-larger-bonsai-pots.rhtml) but they may not be large enough.

Brussels Bonsai (link: http://shop.brusselsbonsai.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=8866&category=18) but this 22 inch x 17.5 inch pot is definitely not large enough.

Manhattan Bonsai (link: http://www.manhattanbonsai.com/catalog1_i1075680.html?catId=56736) 18.5 inch x 14 inch Tokoname, but also not large enough.

Any other recommendations for extra large pots?

Thanks!
Adam

View attachment 111770

View attachment 111772

 

[Potawatomi13]

Considering how fast Maple roots grow and need repotted you are a glutton for punishment(masochist). There were several unglazed BIG pots available at our club this spring believe 8 sided. If still needing contact(PM)and will check for you.

 

[rockm]

I have been searching this forum and the internet for sources of giant bonsai pots, and it seems there are not that many options for clay -- or even mica or plastic -- containers which are over 20 inches wide.

As context, this summer I purchased this large field maple which is currently in a cut-down plastic nursery pot which measures about 25 inches in diameter. The trunk is about 8 inches wide above the roots, and the root spread is basically 24 inches (the whole diameter of the container). Next spring, I'd like to move this tree into a transitional bonsai container which will encourage leaf reduction and ramification while also looking good.

I definitely have the option of building a custom training container out of wood, and that may be what I end up doing, but I was wondering if instead I could find a large (likely Chinese) pot for the next 2-3 years?

So far I've found:

H&F Import Bonsai Pots & Supplies (link: http://www.hfimports.com/extralargepots.html) which has what I'm looking for, but I don't know if they sell retail.

Hollow Creek Bonsai (link: http://www.hollowcreekbonsai.com/ecommerce/pots/23-inch-larger-bonsai-pots.rhtml) but they may not be large enough.

Brussels Bonsai (link: http://shop.brusselsbonsai.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=8866&category=18) but this 22 inch x 17.5 inch pot is definitely not large enough.

Manhattan Bonsai (link: http://www.manhattanbonsai.com/catalog1_i1075680.html?catId=56736) 18.5 inch x 14 inch Tokoname, but also not large enough.

Any other recommendations for extra large pots?

Thanks!
Adam

View attachment 111770

View attachment 111772

What you DON'T need is a huge ceramic training container. You also need to push those surface roots back by a few inches. The spread is impressive but extremely coarse. Pushing the roots back with sustained hard pruning will give you a more refined rootbase and reduce the need for a huge final pot, which really should be smaller than the one it's in now.

Mica pots come in large sizes and don't require the financial commitment that ceramic does. Investing in big ceramic pots that wind up being of no use is an expensive way to learn. I did that with a few of my larger trees--a couple of which are bigger than this one.

A 25" mica pot runs about $150. A decent 25" ceramic probably runs $50-$100 more.
http://www.mecobonsai.com/Catalog/category/oval-mica-pots-1

 

[adamjcode]

What you DON'T need is a huge ceramic training container. You also need to push those surface roots back by a few inches. The spread is impressive but extremely coarse. Pushing the roots back with sustained hard pruning will give you a more refined rootbase and reduce the need for a huge final pot, which really should be smaller than the one it's in now.

Mica pots come in large sizes and don't require the financial commitment that ceramic does. Investing in big ceramic pots that wind up being of no use is an expensive way to learn. I did that with a few of my larger trees--a couple of which are bigger than this one.

A 25" mica pot runs about $150. A decent 25" ceramic probably runs $50-$100 more.
http://www.mecobonsai.com/Catalog/category/oval-mica-pots-1

@rockm thanks so much for the advice and the encouragement. I now totally agree that the roots need to be pruned aggressively ... the trick will be doing so while still making everything look natural. I will repot the tree this upcoming Spring 2017, at which point I will get my first look "under the hood" re: root development. Thankfully, I know these acer campestre are quite hardy and can deal with major pruning.

FYI, I'm going to post a thread on this tree in the Maple forum to document the process.

Adam