Watering BonsaiI once read "watering bonsai trees takes years to learn".How strange, I thought. Why would it ever take so long to learn such a simple thing?
We are bombarded with instructions that vary so greatly, no wonder the novice is confused. A few examples: From an HGTV program on bonsai: From an early U.S.D.A. brochure: From a bonsai nursery (not to be named): “Water your bonsai every three days.” Ezo spruce above from National Watering VariablesThere are many variables when it comes to watering any container plants. These are a few of the basic questions to ask:
What is the Answer?Be wary of instructions to “water every day” or “every other day” or “every third day” etc.!Watering bonsai instructions should read something like “keep evenly moist”, “keep wet” or “allow to dry out a little between waterings”. Watering bonsai too much can be as big a problem as not enough. It’s important that plants are not over-watered. Be especially careful with succulent plants such as bonsai Jade. How often should you water? I know some will not like this, however, the answer is water as needed! As you get to know your bonsai, you will be able to pick them up and know whether they need water or not. How To Water BonsaiOutdoors, hand watering is best. I liked to use the hose with a watering wand.It's gentle, doesn't knock soil out of the container and has an on/off valve. It's especially valuable when you ask someone else to water!
Bonsai by Dan Barton Hand watering is the ideal. If you only have one or a few bonsai, it should work. Water enough so the water flows through and comes out the holes in the bottom of your pot. To be sure all soil is moistened, water twice. Allow the first to 'sink in', then go back and water again. Some of us who have many bonsai (perhaps too many), have automatic irrigation systems of one type or another. The drip system on a timer is especially popular. In Miami, I had an timed overhead sprinkler system (a leftover from my nursery days.) When you develop a large collection or have a nursery, automatic systems are certainly an option. I used to run my system once a day in winter and twice a day in summer. I also varied the length of time for each session. During the rainy season, I often turned it off. Automatic irrigation is not without its problems. They do break down, can be inconsistent in different zones, create too much water when it rains and get clogged up from time to time. What About "Dunking"?Watering by immersion is not always a good idea. If your tree is completely dried out, it may be a good quick fix. However, frequent immersion compacts the soil. This can cause root damage.If you find it is necessary to "dunk" on a regular basis (because water is not being absorbed otherwise) ... your bonsai may need repotting, AND most likely in a different soil mix. Fast draining soil is important. Before you repot, make sure it is the right time of year. Daily InspectionDid an animal knock over a tree? Was the wind really bad last night? Did the water miss your favorite small bonsai? What are those funny looking bugs?Watering bonsai every day may or may not be necessary. However, bonsai do need daily inspections!
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The truth is, watering bonsai is not as simple as it may sound.
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