Packing and Shipping Bonsai Material
When operating at scale, streamlining procedures is critical. This is especially challenging when a majority of an inventory is unique in shape, size, and weight. Nonetheless, for most trees a one-size-fits-all solution does exist, and it goes as follows:
The bonsai material is selected, and inspected to ensure that it is in good health
Damp sphagnum moss is applied to the surface, which serves two purposes:
1 - It creates some humidity for the roots throughout transit. However, since plants tend to arrive within a few days, this isn't necessary and is there only as a safety precaution (e.g. if the package is 'lost' by the carrier for a few days).
2 - Since the substrate does not come up to the rim of the pot, the moss serves as a cushion between the substrate and the wrap (see below), and hold the substrate in place
Next the pots are individually wrapped. This holds the substrate in place, and also contains the water from dripping out of the bottom -- If you ever wondered why your tree was wrapped so many times, it is because carrier can refuse damp or dripping boxes.
When possible, any flowers or fruit are left on the tree. If they arrive in bad condition, just remove them and wait for new ones to arrive
The tree is then placed in a box, and the box is filled with paper or packing peanuts. The goal here is to immobilize the tree, and also create some resistance to impacts on the box from the outside world
When required, fine ceramic pots receive additional protection
In the case of larger trees, the same logic applies
What to do on arrival?
Open the box, and unwrap the bonsai material.
This moss should be removed on arrival.
When placing spring orders, there is rarely any reason to repot the trees. Ryan Neil beautifully summarized the three reasons for repotting a tree:
1 - Loss of percolation (e.g. too many roots, physical fertilizer buildup)
2 - Deterioration of the substrate particles
3 - Aesthetics
My recommendation is acclimate the tree to your environment and practices, and repot the following spring if necessary.
