Planter size for a large acer with small rootball

puschkinia

Hi everyone

I got this beautiful acer seiryu for Christmas, along with a 50cm wide x 38cm tall planter. The tree came in a 10L pot.

When trying to plant up the tree I saw that its rootball is very small. It wasn't potbound in that tiny pot it came in, and the trunk doesn't seem stable in the compost.

Is it OK to plant directly into that larger planter? I was worried and thought I should pot up slowly so put it into a smaller pot first, but perhaps that's a mistake as it's a very tall tree?

Thanks 😊 

nutcutlet

I think you've done the right thing, my concern is why so small a rootball for a not so small top

puschkinia

Thanks @nutcutlet, that's reassuring. Yeah I find it concerning too. Apparently the tree was 50% off - I guess this was why...

Fairygirl

Yes - don't over pot it. 
You'll just have to wait and see how it does. Keep it sheltered so that it isn't affected by the wind. 
Is that square container metal? I'd use something else if it is. The last thing an Acer needs in summer is a hot metal container around the roots. A glazed pot is better, or even a terracotta one, although they can absorb a lot of much needed moisture.
I paint mine on the inside with PVA to help prevent that. I often do the outside too, although it can leave marks. It just helps a bit, even though we don't have to worry too much here about pots drying out. I also paint my terra pots which is another method of helping with moisture loss. 

nutcutlet

puschkinia said:

Thanks @nutcutlet, that's reassuring. Yeah I find it concerning too. Apparently the tree was 50% off - I guess this was why...

probably, not very honest was it. I wonder if you should reduce the top a bit. Maybe that branch that kinks over at the top could come off, see what others think. Check re the graft to make sure all growth is from above it before you chop.

puschkinia

Thanks @Fairygirl. Great, I'll keep it in that smaller pot and hope for the best.

The planter is metal, yes. But it's in the shadow of the house all year round and shaded by other pots - that spot wasn't particularly hot even in last summers heatwave, so I'm hoping the metal will be OK. But I'll keep an eye this summer and if it heats up I'll get rid 

By pva do you mean pva glue? Nice tip, thanks! I'll try that

Fairygirl

Yes - I use it for the pots I have sweet peas in because they don't appreciate getting dry. It also helps a good bit with preventing the pots cracking in winter, especially if there are plants in them - wet and freeze cycle. You can use varnish too - anything which just adds a bit of extra protection. It may need re doing now and again