How Much to Water a Bonsai Tree
Like all living things, the bonsai tree requires water to flourish and grow. But both too much and too little water will cause your bonsai to suffer. The watering needs of your bonsai change with its growth patterns and the season changes. Rather than try to estimate the exact amounts of water to provide your bonsai, allow your bonsai to "tell" you the exact amounts it requires. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Checking
-
In order to determine the appropriate time to water your bonsai, check the soil moisture levels. Since the bonsai's needs change, check the soil moisture levels daily, especially when the bonsai is moisture-loving. While moisture readers are effective, the best method is always by hand. Simply stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil near the bonsai's roots and feel for moisture. Irrigate the drought-tolerant bonsai when the soil begins to lose its moisture. Irrigate moisture-loving bonsai trees just before moisture is lost.
Watering
-
The way that you water your bonsai is just as important as how much you water it. All bonsai trees require deep irrigation to ensure that even the deepest roots receive moisture. To ensure that this occurs, pour the water evenly across the soil's surface. Continue pouring the water until it begins to flow from the container's drainage holes. Pour the water relatively slowly to prevent the soil from being disturbed.
-
Soaking
-
If you are uncomfortable with watering your bonsai or unsure whether the irrigation is reaching all the roots, soak the bonsai. A good soaking ensures that the entire loam and all the roots receive ample moisture. Soaking is only ideal for smaller bonsai trees, since you have to set the bonsai in your sink. After placing the bonsai in the sink, fill the sink with lukewarm water until it reaches about an inch above the container's surface. Remove the bonsai from the water only after the bubbles stop rising from the surface. Place the bonsai in a warm, sunny location and let it rest. Avoid frequent soakings, however, as this may cause your bonsai's roots to rot.
Repotting
-
If you find that your bonsai tree requires more frequent irrigation than usual, it may require repotting. Most bonsai trees should be repotted about every other year. The process provides the tree with a fresh loam that is well-drained, aerated and water-retentive. As the bonsai uses its soil, it exhausts the nutrients, and the soil becomes compacted and loses its aeration. This can cause the soil to feel dry while it begins to suffocate the roots. Repot your bonsai tree in the early spring, just before the onset of the growing season, and water it deeply right after the process is complete.
-
References
- Photo Credit Stephen Schauer/Lifesize/Getty Images
