How to Grow Bonsai Trees Indoors

"What You Must Know About Bonsai Tree Watering..."

Watering is one of the most complex aspects of bonsai care. Although it may seem simple, there are many factors that need to be considered....

...That is the reason that apprentices in Japan aren't allowed to water bonsai until they are a few years into their training. Improper watering is the lead cause of bonsai deaths.

Bonsai soil is quite different from standard potting earth. It's porous design allows very rapid drainage. Thus, copious watering is needed at frequent intervals. However, over- watering also presents certain problems. It can cause root rot and the growth of harmful fungi.

Careful watering practices can help you avoid both dangerous extremes. There are a few tips to follow that can make the complex art of bonsai watering into a simple routine.

Test Moisture Content

First, in bonsai tree care you need to know how much water is needed. Develop a method to test the moisture content of the soil.

You can do a quick check by touching the surface with your thumb. If the surface feels dry, gently scrape back ground cover, gravel, or surface earth to perform a better check. If the soil feels dry, it needs to be watered.

A standard moisture gauge can be used to perform a more accurate test. Moisture gauges usually look like an ordinary thermometer, and they display an accurate analog or digital reading of the moisture level.

However, moisture gauges do have limitations. They only detect water near the tip of the gauge. Thus, the gauge might not detect dry spots which can be harmful if they occur near the roots.

As the roots spread in the pot, the number areas where dry spots could cause harm increases. 

You can ensure that the soil is adequately moistened by dipping the pot up to the base of the tree in a sink or bucket full of water. Leave the pot in the sink or bucket for a few minutes to let it absorb the water.

Then carefully lift it out of the water. Never use the tree as a handle to lift the pot. Hold onto the sides of the pot instead.

Excess moisture will drain through the mesh covered holes at the bottom of the pot into the tray underneath if the soil is correct and the tree is not root bound.  If the tray is full, dip the pot slightly to allow only a low level of moisture to remain.

Always drain excess water from the tray. This gives additional excess moisture room to drain so that it doesn't collect around the roots.

Water Bonsai Tree Daily

Water your tree daily. Allow the water to flow to the bottom, but don't let it pool to the point of filling the tray. Water that is left standing in the tray encourages mold build-up as well as hindering proper drainage.

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Your climate and the type of soil you use determines whether you need to water your tree more frequently than once a day. The species of tree also determines the amount of water needed.

Conifers like pines require less water than deciduous or flowering trees. Conifers can even benefit from moderate drying periods. Curled leaves on deciduous trees indicate that the tree is not getting enough water. Another indicator is flowers that are wilting when they should be blooming. 

You should develop a careful measuring regime to properly water your bonsai. Some experimentation will be needed to adjust your care practices to your specific circumstances and tree. Also take into consideration the capicity of your Bonsai containers...

 
If I can do it, you can do it!
Tina Timms, Bonsai Babe

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