Pot Temperatures

[melbrackstone]

Walter Pall just shared this on fb. Do you think the type of container would make a difference?

crikey.jpg

[benbonsai]

I don’t think the type or size would have much of a difference when it comes to bonsai pots. They are so small and any variation wouldn’t bring much change.
Maybe some larger grow pots could insulate better with larger amounts of soil.

Would be an interesting experiment though.

[Joe.sab]

I think the picture trying to say deference between bonsai in the ground to the pot ( I see it that way maybe I’m wrong ) and we all know there’s much deference between ground to pot not just on the reflection of the temperature,on oxygen and absorbing water too, but if he’s referring to deference between pots I don’t think there’s much deference

[melbrackstone]

Maybe those plants that are in pots that are allowed to grow into the ground are the ones that are safest.

[Raging Bull]

Hi Mel,
Anyone living in an area of climate extremes and having concerns about the soil temperature could either insulate the pot by wrapping it or placing into styrofoam containers, or using a greenhouse in winter. Unless the pot is standing in full sun for the whole day I would find it hard to believe that the soil warms up to 60 C. If it is an unglazed clay or teracotta pot the evaporating moisture would also help to cool the pot.
Walter Pall has a genuine concern, as should we all have as bonsai growers, with issues of temperature extremes, but being aware of them we can take steps to mitigate these extremes. I have seen on this forum how many growers, including myself have irrigation and misting systems in place which in summer make a great difference to the micro-climate surrounding our trees. Many of the plants that are grown by growers like shibui and Sno in the sub-alpine areas have to endure much lower temperatures in countries other than in Australia. I was in Japan in February and there was a lot of snow with night time temperatures going down to -15 C, and the trees thrive there every year. (See attached pics)
We're fortunate, especially on the coastal fringe where the majority of the population lives that we do not have these kind of extremes. (especially here in QLD)
Cheers,
Frank.

[melbrackstone]

Cheers Frank

I use shade cloth or misting in Summer too, can't see us ever having to deal with snow.