Series Ni Care
Series Ni pots come in 3 sizes including 3”, 6” and 9”. Each pot is made from cast concrete and features an inset aluminum mesh base.
Features & Use
Aluminum Mesh Base
Each Series Ni pot features an aluminum mesh inset base across all sizes. In most cases this base eliminates the need for additional mesh to be used. If you’re using a soil particle below 1/8” you’ll likely require additional mesh however.
The mesh base increases drainage and aeration, while providing numerous ways to wire trees in. Any opening in the mesh base can be used as an anchor point. The mesh base creates an opening in the bottom where wire can be discreetly hidden, eliminating the need for additional feet on the pot to raise it higher. The back of the pot features a round opening for airflow and water drainage.
Surface Anomalies
Due to the nature of cast concrete, Series Ni pots may feature unique surface anomalies including air bubble holes, small cracks, or other surface features. These are considered normal, however if there are specific surface features that are not aesthetically acceptable for your usage please notify Hito and we will replace the pot with another of the same type (size and color). Pots from a Coalesce collection are unique creations and cannot be substituted for surface anomalies however.
Care Guide
Series Ni pots are made from a blend of cast expansion cement, are either raw or dyed, and then sealed. Concrete is a highly dynamic material and presents unique phenomenon and qualities to be aware of and manage in the bonsai pot context. Please review the following recommendations for care and usage. If you run into a problem related to 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.
Normal Variance & Time
No two concrete pots will be entirely the same, even of the same color. Small differences in water used to mix the concrete, oxygen presence, curing factors, etc. all contribute to unique qualities of this series. Concrete will change over time, which can be more obvious during the first year of use. The rate and type of change a specific concrete pot will experience varies based on the environmental conditions it encounters.
Waxing & Buffing
Unlike ceramic pots, Series Ni concrete pots are finished with a buffed layer of beeswax on top of the eco-friendly sealer. This wax coating will be reduced over time and should be re-applied yearly, ideally before seasonal repotting. General beeswax available at most hardware stores will work. Rub a coat of beeswax into the pot’s surface using a micro-fiber cloth. After 30 minutes, buff the wax off with a buffing pad or motorized buffing system. Do not use oils on the surface of the pot.
Water
Despite being sealed, concrete is a porous material. It is recommended to use purified water or rain water when watering. Impure water will bring contaminants into the pot’s pores. Mineral build-up from watering 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.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a process that occurs in concrete where water permeates the surface through pores, carrying alts and minerals with it. Then, as the concrete dries, these are again brought to the outside surface which remain as a white powder or visible areas on the surface. While the design process takes steps to minimize the possibility of efflorescence by using highly filtered water with low salt, metal and mineral presence in the native mix, any concrete pot may experience this phenomenon once water is re-introduced.
Efflorescence is not a concern for either the pot’s performance or for the bonsai’s health. It is more common in pots which have been recently cast and are still “acclimatizing.” If you notice this fluffy white powder-like substance after watering, removing it physically with a brush or by other means is the best way to handle it. After a short time, it should not reappear. It is important to not re-water dried efflorescence which will recommence the process by causing the pot to re-absorb the salts or metals.
Efflorescence & Pot Character
Efflorescence can be looked at as a means to create character, in Raw pots particularly. If it does develop, selectively choosing where to leave it can create unique surface variance.
Soil
Similarly to the challenges certain compositions of water might create, soil free of excess salts and minerals will perform best with Series Ni pots, reducing the possibility of these entering the pot’s pores. It’s recommended to thoroughly rinse soils prior to use.
Cleaning
Series Ni pots can be cleaned using a mild soap and water. 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. Oiling the surface of the pot is not recommended due to the material not being unglazed ceramic.
UV
Every material has the possibility to be affected by UV damage. Series Ni pots use high-quality raw pigments and should not experience a reduction in the vibrance of color for many years.
Temperature
Freezing temperatures in winter should not affect the pots, however unpredictable effects of frozen water that expands could have an effect and should be monitored, especially if any cracks develop for water to enter. Concrete’s ability to hold heat (thermal mass) is similar to ceramic, however it can release this heat (thermal diffusivity) more rapidly than ceramic. The release of this heat occurs typically at night. Therefore, watering after sundown may be an effective strategy to reduce the possible effect of concrete’s thermal diffusivity factor on trees.