Quote Originally Posted by Rusty Trichome
An old bonsai techniqe. :thumbsup: You can also have a pot of warm, properly ph'd water prepared, hold the mainstem and support the bottom of the rootball, and dip (dunk) the rootball a couple of times, which will wash-away some of the soil. Don't go overboard trying to remove it all though. I'd recommend taking no more than the first inch of old soil from all around the rootball. The fewer roots you disturb, the better your chances.

Sprinkle the fresh soil over the top of the rootball, and 'bump' the sides if the container to sift it through the roots. You can use a pencil (eraser end) or a plastic pen (cap on) to gently push the fresh soil/perlite into the rootball with little damage, if the voids you created require it. Usually, unless most of the soil fell out of the rootball, this 'pushing the soil in' shouldn't be necessary.
But, be real careful with the roots. Don't fold, spindle, snap, or stretch the roots, and keep 'em moist throughout the operation.

If skittish playing with the rootball and the violent Bonsai transplant thing, you can drill a few 1/2 inch holes in the sides of your pot, which will allow more airflow. Not usually as effective as perlite, but might be an option...
is there a bonsai section on this forum? always found the subject interesting on some of the older non existing forums. ive read of shaving roots for regrowth...although i thought that to be extreme. im no bonsai guy though i just dabbled and found old age my enemy.