Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Jul 09, 2009 3:45 pm I bought my fiance an expensive 26 year old Bonsai and wanted some help on how to take care of it. Now most places will tell you that if you put your finger into the soil about 1cm in and it is dry then it needs watering. But I am afraid that this is too restrictive and I may be under-watering. Others say water once a day unless it is already raining then wait skip a day. <Both scenarios the bonsai is outside but has a roof over it which blocks the midday sun and direct rain> The problem is I tend to find unless the Bonsai is out in the sun after a watering in the morning the Bonsai soil will remain moist. IN terms of the finger test just wanted to make sure it is to be "dry" or merely moist rather than damp? E.g. if it was watered in the morning ( I do the it rains twice watering ) and it was overcast but not raining. If the soil feels moist the next morning and the day will be overcast. Should I water it or wait? Thanks! Re: Bonsai - Juniper - How to water!? 2Jul 09, 2009 5:03 pm How confusing Well you can get away with having a little drier here and there in winter. In summer they are going to need water twice a day and maybe more on hotter days. A good soak every now and then will do it a treat, as long as it is shallow water Ultimately you want to keep the soil moist as best you can, of course the above comments are exceptions to that Re: Bonsai - Juniper - How to water!? 4Jul 09, 2009 11:09 pm Typically bonsai mix is extremely well drained, consisting of about 50% gravel....this makes over watering extremely difficult! I would suggest water at least once a day in summer and submerging the pot till there are no more air bubbles coming up once a week Re: Bonsai - Juniper - How to water!? 5Jul 09, 2009 11:13 pm yeah some pots don't have a drain hole. But just look at the size of the root space and remember that needs to supply moisture to all that foliage. It runs out pretty quick It will be an acquired skill for you though. Learning plant moisture needs is cert 4 Hort I understand you really want a "rule of thumb" approach but in gardening it doesn't work like that too often Not many skilled industries where it is a science and an art Re: Bonsai - Juniper - How to water!? 6Jul 10, 2009 7:57 am Peaceful Landscapes Typically bonsai mix is extremely well drained, consisting of about 50% gravel....this makes over watering extremely difficult! I would suggest water at least once a day in summer and submerging the pot till there are no more air bubbles coming up once a week Hi Peaceful! Thanks for that! Altho I was told never to submerge the pot? This is why I am so confused >.<... some recommend it while some say its bad for the Bonsai! Hahaha Fu I will be a Bonsai watering consultant in no time The pot does have good drainage. When you water it flows out from the holes on the bottom pretty quickly! Thanks heaps! Re: Bonsai - Juniper - How to water!? 7Jul 10, 2009 8:59 pm my Aunty is in the loacal bonsai society. I'll ask her for some good contacts and references for you Where are you located? 18 74605 From what I know about water tanks (I've been working with a client on them for a few years now) is this - The concrete can last a lifetime if they don't crack for some… 2 6475 4 7891 |