Bonsai Care - How to Water
by: PaulMarch
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Because bonsai come in lots of different species, they use water at different rates, and that means they will grow at different rates during their growing cycle. Remember all bonsai are not the same, there are also deciduous and non-deciduous. Bonsai do not have set cycles and therefore they should be attended to when required.
Watering - it's important that the compost never dries out. You can quickly kill a bonsai this way. You will of course be aware that when in the ground, plants and trees adapt to the environment - this isn't possible for a bonsai as due to the smallness of scale, everything you do - or not has a big effect on it. The masters say that to fully master the correct watering of a bonsai it takes 3 years.
Under-watering can be much more harmful for a bonsai than over-watering. Make sure the compost is not dried out, its very important to take a careful note of its condition.
Remember that in order to breathe the roots of a bonsai need oxygen - oxygen is provided when water comes into contact with the roots and all the by products are flushed out and exchanges fresh air which nourishes the plant. Too much water and you will suffocate the plant - where there is too much oxygen, the fine root hairs cannot breathe.
Is there a way you can tell if you have over-watered? Yes if you are re-potting, over-watering will be shown by the fine roots hairs which will have turned black and gone rotten.
There are other signs to look for in order to tell if you are watering incorrectly - loss of vigor, looking tired and no longer vibrant and healthy - also when the foliage turns yellow - or the smaller branches shrink and die away.
Is there a way to remedy this? Yes cutting away the old dead black roots will help. Roots that are rotten promote the growth of bacteria, this can kill plants and so cutting away the old rotten roots will help your plant recover more quickly. It is essential that you do not damage any new growth during this process as this will slow down the recovery process. Most important of all you will need to alter your watering habits!
Do you know how often you water? There should never be a set routine. As temperatures and the environment change on a daily basis you need to adapt to your bonsai needs. Because the root system is very small it can dry out quickly and a careful watch needs to be keep on each plant. Compost which is wet on the top could well be dry below the surface. Each bonsai plant uses water differently and should be checked on several times a day.
A good tip is to use a wooden toothpick and leave it in the compost. The next time you come to check your plant, by lifting the toothpick you will see if the compost below the surface has dried out and this will help you assess how much water to use.
The needs of you plant will come before your routine, and you should adapt accordingly as correct watering is critical.
About the Author
Do you know the right way to care for your bonsai? Read more great articles by Paul March about techniques to help improve your bonsai. More articles on bonsai care and information on reviving bonsai trees to help you enjoy your bonsai.
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