Buying guide
Repotting Day Kit
Updated How we research
Repotting is the one job where being unprepared costs the tree, because exposed roots dry out while you hunt for scissors. Set the bench before you lift anything: mesh cut and wired over the drain holes, anchor wire threaded through, fresh soil sieved, root shears sharpened, and damp sphagnum ready for whatever looks fragile afterwards. The page is split into six sections (Pots for the growing years; Covering the drain holes; Tying the tree in; Cutting roots cleanly; Sifting out the dust; Aftercare for weak roots), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 24 picks. Our scores range from 6.5 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:Wazakura Ashinaga Bonsai Scissors, 8 in, Japan. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Hoigon Oval Bonsai Training Pots, 12 in, 10 Pcs. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Solid build:Wazakura Ashinaga Bonsai Scissors, 8.2 in. Build and materials score of 10/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Soil Sieve Set with 5 Meshes and Bonsai Scoop. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Pots for the growing years
- Hoigon Oval Bonsai Training Pots, 12 in, 10 PcsOur score8.4/10
- GROWNEER 3 Pack 9 Inch Bonsai Training PotsOur score8.4/10
- JEUIHAU Bonsai Training Pots with Trays, 4 PackOur score7.6/10
- SEUNMUK Plastic Bonsai Training Pots, 6.5 in, 30Our score7.4/10
Covering the drain holes
- Bonsai Jack Pot Mesh Drainage Screens, 2 in, 50Our score8.4/10
- Bonsai Drainage Mesh Screens, 2 in, 50 CountOur score7.6/10
- GREGICH Bonsai Pot Drainage Mesh, 2 in, 50 PcsOur score7.6/10
- Nufiwra Flower Pot Mesh Drainage Pad, 18 PcsOur score6.8/10
Tying the tree in
- Leaves and Soul Bonsai Wire Kit, 5 Rolls, 160 ftOur score8.0/10
- KAKURI Aluminum Bonsai Wire Set, 1/1.5/2mmOur score8.0/10
- Anodized Aluminum Bonsai Wire Set, 3 Size, BrownOur score7.8/10
- Wazakura Annealed Copper Bonsai Wire, 1.2mm, 95 ftOur score7.7/10
Cutting roots cleanly
- Wazakura Ashinaga Bonsai Scissors, 8 in, JapanOur score8.6/10
- Wazakura Ashinaga Bonsai Scissors, 8.2 inOur score8.6/10
- Master Grade Bonsai Root Cutter, 215 mmOur score8.4/10
- TianBonsai T 190 Root Pruning ScissorsOur score6.5/10
Sifting out the dust
- Soil Sieve Set with 5 Meshes and Bonsai ScoopOur score8.6/10
- Soil Sieve Set for Bonsai, 12 in, 4 PieceOur score8.1/10
- Japanese Stainless Bonsai Soil Sieve Set, 3 NetsOur score7.8/10
- HIPULX 5-in-1 Soil Sifter SetOur score7.6/10
Aftercare for weak roots
- besgrow Sphagnum Moss, 150g, AAA GradeOur score8.4/10
- Besgrow New Zealand Sphagnum Moss, 150gOur score8.0/10
- Besgrow New Zealand Sphagnum Moss AA, 500gOur score8.0/10
- besgrow New Zealand Sphagnum Moss, 100gOur score7.6/10
All 24 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
Wazakura's Ashinaga long handle bonsai pruning scissors, 8 inch (200mm), made in Japan from carbon steel.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Long Ashinaga handles give leverage for cutting roots and twigs
- + Made in Japan carbon steel cuts cleanly through fibrous roots
- + 8 inch length reaches into root balls during repotting
- - Carbon steel rusts if soil and water are left on the blades
- - Grit in roots can dull the edge, so sharpening is needed
Wazakura's Ashinaga bonsai scissors in Yasugi steel made in Japan, 8.2 in (210 mm), for pruning and roots.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 10/10 · Value 7/10
- + Yasugi steel is a premium Japanese steel known for edge retention
- + 8.2 inch Ashinaga form handles root pruning and branch trims
- + Long blades cut through root masses in fewer strokes
- - Premium Yasugi steel raises the price over standard carbon versions
- - Needs careful drying and oiling after wet repotting work
A stainless steel soil sieve set with 1,3,6,9,12mm mesh screens and a bonsai soil scoop included.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Five mesh sizes including 12mm handle coarse grit and bark
- + Bonsai soil scoop is included for filling pots neatly
- + Stainless mesh stays clean and rust free after rinsing
- - Many screens take more time to swap and keep organized
- - Check the frame diameter if you sift large batches at once
HOIGON's 10 piece set of 12 inch black oval plastic bonsai training pots with drainage holes.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 10 large oval pots handle a whole batch of nursery trees at once
- + 12 inch oval shape gives roots a wide, shallow bed like a bonsai pot
- + Drainage holes help prevent waterlogged soil and root rot
- - No humidity trays included, so indoor use needs separate saucers
- - Black plastic heats up in full sun and can warm the root zone
GROWNEER's 3 pack of 9 inch bonsai training pots with drainage humidity trays and a repotting mat.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Repotting mat keeps soil contained when working indoors
- + Matching humidity trays catch runoff and raise moisture around leaves
- + 9 inch pots give young trees room to grow roots before refinement
- - Plastic training pots look utilitarian, so they are not for display
- - 3 pots is a modest count for growers with many seedlings
Bonsai Jack's 50 count of 2x2 inch ultra rigid bonsai pot mesh drainage screens, pre-cut and ready to use.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Ultra rigid screens stay flat and do not sag into drainage holes
- + 50 pre-cut 2x2 inch squares save time cutting mesh rolls
- + Keeps soil in and pests out of the pot drainage holes
- - 2x2 inch squares are too small for very large drainage holes
- - Square shape may overhang slightly in small round pots
Master grade 215 mm root cutter in 5Cr15MoV alloy steel for cutting thick roots during bonsai repotting.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 5Cr15MoV alloy steel resists rust in wet root work
- + 215 mm root cutter gives leverage on thick taproots
- + Heavy jaws handle roots that would damage fine scissors
- - Bulky cutter is overkill for small indoor trees
- - Stainless alloy is softer than high-carbon Japanese steel
besgrow's premium New Zealand sphagnum moss, 150g of Premier AAA grade with longer 6 inch strands.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + AAA grade has the cleanest, longest fibers in the besgrow range
- + 6 inch strands wrap air layers and kokedama easily
- + Holds water well without breaking down quickly
- - Premier grade costs more than AA for similar bonsai uses
- - 150g runs out faster than bulk bags for heavy users
A 4pc soil sieve set with a 12 inch diameter stainless steel frame and three interchangeable sieves for bonsai.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 12 inch diameter speeds up sifting larger soil batches
- + Stainless steel frame is durable enough for years of repotting
- + Three sieves cover the main grain sizes used in bonsai mixes
- - Compare the three mesh sizes to the grain sizes in your own mix
- - Large round frame is bulky to store in small spaces
Leaves and Soul's tree training wire kit with 5 rolls of aluminum alloy wire, 160ft total, a cutter and a canvas bag.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 160ft across 5 rolls covers tie-downs and branch wiring alike
- + Wire cutter is included, so the kit is ready for repotting day
- + Canvas bag keeps rolls organized and stops tangling
- - Included cutter is basic compared with a dedicated bonsai wire cutter
- - Check the individual gauge sizes if you need specific thicknesses
KAKURI's professional Japanese brown aluminum bonsai wire set in large rolls of 1mm, 1.5mm and 2mm.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + KAKURI is a respected Japanese bonsai tool maker
- + Large rolls last through many repottings and wiring sessions
- + 1.5mm and 2mm gauges handle small tree anchoring well
- - Gauges top out at 2mm, which is light for large tree tie-downs
- - Premium brand costs more than generic aluminum wire
besgrow's premium New Zealand sphagnum moss, 150g of Classic AA grade with 4 inch strands.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + New Zealand sphagnum is prized for clean, long-lasting fibers
- + 4 inch strands are good for air layers and top dressing
- + AA grade offers solid quality at a lower price than AAA
- - Shorter strands than premium grades for wrapping large air layers
- - 150g is a moderate amount for growers doing many layers
besgrow Spagmoss premium New Zealand sphagnum moss in AA grade, a 500 gram bulk block.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 500 gram bulk block gives excellent value for regular users
- + AA grade New Zealand moss is clean and consistent
- + Enough moss for many air layers, cuttings and soil toppings
- - Strand length can vary within the block, so hand-sort long pieces
- - Compressed block needs soaking and teasing apart before use
A brown anodized aluminum bonsai wire replenishment set in 3 sizes, 2.0mm, 3.0mm and 4.0mm, for heavier tie-downs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Thicker 3.0mm and 4.0mm gauges anchor trees firmly in their pots
- + Brown anodized finish blends in with bark and soil
- + Aluminum bends easily, so tie-down wires are quick to twist tight
- - No fine gauges, so it cannot handle delicate branch wiring
- - Replenishment set has no cutter or storage bag included
A Japanese-style stainless steel bonsai soil sieve set with 3 nets, 8.25 x 8.25 x 2.75 inch, for small batches.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Stainless steel frame resists rust after sifting damp soil
- + 3 nets handle fine dust, small grain and medium grain grading
- + Compact 8.25 inch frame is easy to use over a bucket indoors
- - Small frame makes sifting large soil batches slow
- - Only 3 nets, so very coarse grains cannot be separated
Wazakura's annealed copper bonsai wire made in Japan, 95.1 ft of rust resistant 1.2mm cable for outdoor use.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Annealed copper holds shape strongly once it hardens after bending
- + Made in Japan wire from a recognized bonsai tool brand
- + Rust resistant for long outdoor use on anchoring and styling
- - Single 1.2mm gauge is thin for anchoring larger trees
- - Copper is harder to work than aluminum for beginners
JEUIHAU's 4 pack of 11 inch rectangular plastic bonsai training pots with humidity trays for growing out trees.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 11 inch rectangular pots suit larger nursery stock and wide root spreads
- + Humidity trays are included for every pot in the 4 pack
- + Lightweight plastic makes moving trees for sun or shelter easy
- - Larger pots need more soil, which raises the cost of each repot
- - Thin plastic can fade or crack after long sun exposure outdoors
Grow A Bonsai Tree's 50 count of rigid 2x2 inch drainage mesh screens for bonsai and flower pots.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 50 rigid screens cover a full season of repotting jobs
- + Works in both bonsai pots and regular flower pots
- + Pre-cut squares are quick to place before adding soil
- - Very similar to other 2x2 inch packs, so compare price per piece
- - No wire tabs, so screens need a wire staple to stay in place
GREGICH's 50 pcs of 2 inch round plastic bonsai mesh pads for covering plant pot drainage holes.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Round 2 inch pads fit neatly over circular drainage holes
- + 50 pieces is plenty for a collection of small and medium pots
- + Plastic mesh will not rust or stain pots
- - Fixed round size may not cover large rectangular pot holes
- - Thin plastic can shift when soil is poured in quickly
HIPULX soil sifter set with five snap-on stainless steel screens (1/8 to 1/2 inch), a shovel and an 11 5/8 inch frame. Sorts bonsai soil, compost and grit by size.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Five screens, 1/8, 3/16, 5/16, 3/8 and 1/2 inch, let you grade akadama, pumice and lava rock for bonsai mixes.
- + Snap-on screen changes need no tools, according to the listing.
- + Stainless steel frame with reinforced crossbars, and a shovel is included for scooping.
- - Largest screens (1/2 inch) only; no fine mesh under 1/8 inch for dust removal.
- - 11 5/8 inch frame is made for bucket fit, so check the diameter before using it on a smaller container.
besgrow's premium New Zealand sphagnum moss, a 100g pack that expands to 8L when hydrated.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 8L hydrated volume shows how far a small pack will go
- + Compact 100g pack suits a few air layers or cuttings
- + Premium New Zealand moss resists rotting in damp conditions
- - Strand length can vary within the pack, so sort by hand if needed
- - Small pack is poor value compared with bulk sphagnum blocks
A pack of 30 plastic training pots, each 6.5 x 4.7 x 2.35 in, with bottom drainage mesh. A low-cost way to start many cuttings or young trees.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Thirty pots per pack gives plenty of containers for cuttings, seedlings and nursery stock
- + Each pot measures 6.5 x 4.7 in and 2.35 in deep, a shallow shape that suits bonsai training
- + Drainage mesh on the bottom is built in, so excess water can leave the pot
- - Plastic and no saucers listed, so it is a nursery container rather than a display pot
- - Thirty pots is more than most growers need unless they raise many young trees
Set of 18 polyester mesh sheets, 11.8 by 7.8 inches each, with 1.5 mm holes. Cut to size to cover bonsai pot drainage holes and keep soil in.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Eighteen sheets of 30 by 20 cm mesh can be cut to cover drainage holes of any size, with plenty to spare.
- + Small 1.5 mm holes are meant to stop soil loss while letting water drain.
- + Polyester material is described as durable and reusable, and the sheets stack easily.
- - Sheets must be cut by hand, so they are less convenient than pre-cut discs for many small pots.
- - Not the rigid Japanese-style mesh of the item it replaces, and the listing gives no stiffness details.
TianBonsai root pruning scissors, 190 mm, standard grade, alloy steel (3Cr13). From the same brand as the earlier pick.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Same brand as the earlier master grade scissors, with the same 190 mm length
- + Alloy steel 3Cr13 is stated in the listing
- + Low price for a dedicated root pruning scissor
- - Listed as standard grade, one step below the master grade of the earlier pick
- - The spec sheet is short and gives no weight or handle details
Popular right now
- Common Bonsai Styles Explained and When to Use ThemArticle
- Bonsai Wire Gauge ChartArticle
- How to Bring Tropical Bonsai Indoors for WinterArticle
- One-third rule explainedGlossary
- Guy wire anchoring explainedGlossary
- Best Bonsai Tool SetsBuying guide
Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Bonsai Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.