How to Water an Indoor Bonsai

Each bonsai must be watered on its own schedule, according to its own needs.

Though bonsai trees have many differences, one factor remains consistent: All bonsai trees require water to flourish. The amount of water each bonsai needs, however, varies. While deciduous bonsai often require frequent irrigation, evergreen bonsai require less. Moreover, succulent bonsai trees demand nearly dry environments for appropriate growth. Not to mention that soil, indoor climate and humidity levels can greatly influence your bonsai's irrigation needs. Recognizing the individual needs of your bonsai puts you one step closer to successful bonsai irrigation.

Things You'll Need

• Misting bottle

Instructions

1. Check your bonsai's soil moisture levels daily. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil near the roots and feel for moisture. Remove your finger and inspect it. Estimate fairly moist soils if your finger is covered in soil, and slightly dry soils if it is not.

2. Irrigate your bonsai to meet its moisture requirements. Water your bonsai in the morning, before the height of the sun, to allow the soil time to utilize the water before being evaporated by the sunlight. Use tepid water to irrigate your bonsai, and irrigate at soil level to reduce the potential for fungal infections.

3. Pour water slowly around your bonsai to allow it time to soak into the soil. Irrigate your bonsai deeply until the water flows evenly from the drainage system. Avoid quick, heavy irrigation as this prevents the soil from capturing the water.

4. Expect to irrigate your bonsai more frequently during hot, dry summer months. Continue to check the soil levels daily, if not several times throughout the day during this dry period.

5. Soak your bonsai if you believe the soil and climate are too dry. Put your potted bonsai in the center of your sink and fill the sink with tepid water until it reaches just above the top of the container. Allow your bonsai to rest in the water but watch it closely. Remove your bonsai from the sink when the bubbles stop rising to the surface. Let the bonsai sit until water stops flowing from the drainage system.

6. Mist your indoor bonsai to promote good humidity levels, using a misting bottle filled with tepid water. Make sure all of the foliage receives a good misting at least once a day during the summer months. Mist your bonsai at least once a week throughout the rest of the year.

References

• Bonsai4me: A Guide to Watering Bonsai
• Bonsai Primer: Watering Your Bonsai