Series Ichi Care
Series Ichi pots are designed for mame bonsai - trees typically under 6” from the base of the pot. The 9 sizes all function similarly and are made from the same manufacturing process and material. Since these pots are made from a relatively new material to bonsai pot design, care practices may differ from what seasoned bonsai enthusiasts are used to.
Features & Use
Wire-Tie Cleats
All Series Ichi pots have wire-tie cleats at the base of the pot. Some pots have 3 cleats and others have 4 depending on the shape. The width of the cleat varies depending on the shape also. Each cleat is designed to be used with up to a 1mm wire. The number of wires used to anchor a tree into the pot is dependent on the strategy of the user. A single wire or multiple might work equally well.
While the cleats can be successfully used in multiple ways, the recommended method is to loop the wire under the cleat, and with the two strands of wire coming outward tighten to other wires connected to other cleats, or tighten using the single wire around the tree.
Note: care is recommended when applying and tightening wire to smaller cleats, such as those on the Circle Dish model. While sufficiently strong, the material is not as strong as ceramic with tensile force.
Drainage System
Series Ichi pots have a drainage system comprised of two features: an angled base wall and angled parametric drainage holes. Combined, the angled features at two sizes act as a perched water table reduction system. By concentrating the potential water table into an angled and smaller surface area, gravity is able to more efficiently drain water through the holes than surfaces that meet at 90 degree angles.
Note: After watering, awareness to the amount of water in the pot is recommended due to the more efficient drainage system. The rate of water leaving the pot, from all factors and in the same soil composition and volume, may not be the same as comparable mame bonsai pots.
Care Guide
Series Ichi pots are made with a polymer (PA12) through a selective laser-sintering (SLS) manufacturing process. After this process they are treated to maintain durability. Please review the following recommendations for care and usage. If you run into a problem related to the material’s performance or other related factor, please contact Hito and we’ll assess the best method of action to remedy the issue. Please also review Hito’s Return Policy for awareness.
Water Quality
It is highly recommended that well-filtered, neutral pH water is used with Series Ichi pots. Contaminants in the water, including minerals etc., can increase the likelihood of build-up developing on the pot’s surface. While this is normal with many pots, Series Ichi can be more technical to clean build-up from the surface. Hard water, minerals, etc. may affect Series Ichi pots in unforeseeable ways due to the material’s performance qualities.
Water Evaporation
Mineral build-up commonly occurs from water evaporating, leaving behind minerals on the surface of the pot. After watering, physically drying the pot’s surface is a good method to limit this from happening.
Soil
Similarly to the challenges certain compositions of water might create, soil free of excess minerals - primarily salts and metals - will perform best with Series Ichi pots. It’s recommended to thoroughly rinse soils prior to use.
Cleaning
Series Ichi pots can be cleaned using a mild dish soap and water. Soaking the pots or passing them through a series of water baths is also recommended for any cleaning. Light abrasive tools, such as a child’s toothbrush, can be used without risking any harm to the surface finish. More abrasive tools, such a wire brushes or scrapers, are not recommended. The sooner a pot is cleaned the more likely it will come out well.
UV & Temperature
Every material has a propensity to be affected by UV damage. As a polymer, the rate of UV damage will be faster than traditional ceramic. However, the specific polymer Series Ichi pots are made with - PA 12 - performs very well with UV. Leaving the pot outside, even in direct sunlight, is fine. Each climate and use situation is different, so being aware of signs of UV damage early is advised. These might include: color fading; form warping; or surface cracks. PA 12’s thermal resistance qualities are very good - sometimes better than ceramic - so heat should not be of concern. While the molecular structure of PA 12 can easily tolerate freezing temperatures, extra care is recommended when watering in freezing temperatures due to the possibility of water’s expansion and force when freezing. Small features, such as the wire cleats, could crack at the base or break due to ice formation.