Colorado Blue Spruce 3 – Repot, Emergency

Picea pungens | 039-SpruceBlue-003

Care Event

  • Date: July 8, 2024
  • Task: Repot
  • Subtask: Emergency
  • Location: Garage
  • Outcome: New clean pummice mix and NO Irish Moss remaining
Colorado Blue Spruce 3

This tree was not draining at all and I couldn't get the roots the moisture they needed. Upon inspection and after some research I determined that it has Irish Moss instead of the typical moss. It apparently sends out deep roots and chokes the soil. See what PSBA member and YouTuber BenB says: Bonsai Tip: The beautiful but deadly Irish Moss.

I did an emergency repot and Irish moss mitigation. I didn't have any calcined clay on hand to mix into the soil and give it some moisture holding ability, so it is planted in pure pummice.

Following the repot I'll watch it closely as we head into hotter days, but I think it will be better off being able to get moisture despite the root disruption this late in the season.