Bonsai trees are beautiful and unique plants that require careful care to maintain their health and beauty. One of the most critical aspects of caring for a bonsai tree is proper watering.
Underwatering can lead to dryness and death while overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. It is very important for beginners or even experts to know how to water the bonsai tree. Proper care of the bonsai tree can give you the right to show the plant to others.
When Should You Water a Bonsai Tree?
The frequency of watering your bonsai tree depends on several factors, such as humidity levels, temperature, pot size, soil type, and depth of roots in the soil mix, among others. Generally speaking, some bonsai trees require more frequent watering than others, depending on their nature.
It is essential to avoid a fixed timetable for watering because every area has different environmental parameters. Instead, make personal observations about how quickly water evaporates from the soil surface.
Checking when it’s time for the next watering involves two ways:
- Checking if the needle roots require moisture: By carefully bending branchlets or leaves down towards yourself, her, or him with ties, then gently tapping the base upward, you may reveal the moisture level’s status indirectly.
- Using a humidity probe: this small device can be inserted into the root mass or between the topsoil; this will give accurate readings that tell the humidity status exactly.
Besides this, you can even look into the bonsai tree and get a general idea. If the leaves of the tree are wearing out or turning pale, it is the right time to water them. Overwatering or underwatering is the biggest issue with bonsai. So anyone owning the plant must be careful.
Signs You May Be Over-Watering Your Bonsai Tree
You shouldn’t be an expert to know whether you are overwatering the bonsai tree or not. Keeping a check on the frequency of watering can be a major key. Other than that, the bonsai tree itself shows signs of being overwatered. Some of them are:
(i) The leaves will become soft and wilt.
(ii) The branches near the stem bases turn black.
(iii) Fungi or mold growing at spots around roots placed in poorly set-up conditions.
(iv) Edema swollen affected parts because they hold too much liquid.
(v). A sour smell from damp sitting bottom material where drainage has failed over time
Besides all of this, there is a special condition called waterlogged where the roots of the bonsai tree start to rot. When the water gets jammed into the roots, this ends up blocking the airflow. In the end, the plant dies slowly.
Watering Techniques for a Bonsai Tree
A critical aspect of watering bonsai trees correctly is ensuring that the entire pot gets watered evenly. Using a watering can with a narrow spout or spray bottle, move your hand up and down in a zigzag motion to cover the whole soil surface from every angle to ensure uniform irrigation.
Start by watering lightly until you observe water coming out of drainage holes before finally stopping. Wait between 20 and 40 minutes before repeating the process until you notice thorough saturation throughout the soil.
One of the underrated ways to water the bonsai tree is through direct rainfall. When it rains, collect the rainwater or let the bonsai tree be exposed to the rainfall. It will help the plant get much-needed nutrients.
The last yet effective technique for watering the bonsai tree is the immersed technique. You can fill the tub with water and later put the bonsai tree into it. Wait until the bubbles start to form, and then it is the right time to take the plant out.
Factors Affecting the Watering of the Bonsai Tree
The frequency with which you need to water your bonsai tree depends on how big or small it is and whether it’s been reported lately (e.g., recently repotted plants need more frequent watering because their root system has not had time to fully adjust). Other factors that may affect how often you should water include:
Humidity levels
During times when the air is dry, your plant will probably require more frequent watering than usual due to increased evaporation rates.
If you live in a hot region, you need to water the plants frequently, while the watering schedule differs in a colder climate. The closer you are to the equator, the more you sweat.
Type of soil and amount of fertilizers
Some soils hold on to moisture better than others. For instance, so-called “Japanese-style” dirt mixes are excellent at draining away excess concentrations while holding needed nourishment; these mixes are usually formulated to offer specific micronutrient elements similar to soil types found around Japan.
As you put the fertilizers in the plant, there is a need to water the plant. Immediate watering after fertilizers will break it down and spread the nutrients well.
Size of the pot
A lot of bonsai owners underestimate this fact, but the size of the pot is very crucial. Watering the bonsai tree differs massively with the pot size. In the case of a smaller pot, it dries faster.
Therefore, you need to water it regularly. For the bigger pots, though, the water holding capacity is higher, and it can affect the roots with water clogging.
Amount of light and location of Bonsai
If your bonsai tree is directly exposed to the sunlight, the leaves and roots will dry faster. On the other hand, bonsai trees receiving less light will dry more slowly.
Similarly, try and place the bonsai tree at a controlled temperature so that the watering frequency can be determined according to you. Outdoor bonsai tend to need extra care and support.
Final Thoughts
A good and healthy bonsai tree tends to add image and value to your home. But watering the bonsai tree needs good care and detailed study.
You need to be careful about the location of the bonsai and the amount of light it receives. Be careful whether you put a huge pot or a smaller pot on the plant. If you are a bit careful about watering bonsai trees, this particular beauty doesn’t ask for massive care and also adds quality to your home.
Leave a Reply