Watering is the single most important factor in keeping your trees alive. It is also the hardest skill to learn. This is because various species of trees have different water demands. Some trees tolerate dry conditions better than others. Some trees will tell you when they are thirsty when their leaves look limp. For
other trees limp leaves mean the tree has already died.
So where do we start? All bonsai trees are grown in special bonsai potting mix – not dirt, not potting soil, and not garden soil. This special bonsai soil is coarse and granular, and should allow for water to freely run through it. All bonsai pots have holes for drainage. When bonsai are watered, most of the water runs out the bottom of the pot, and only a small amount is retained in the pot. If a bonsai is growing in a free draining soil mix, during the active growing period (spring to fall) they are usually watered once a day.
Water your bonsai with a watering can, or with an attachment to your garden hose that will deliver a gentle spray of water. Be careful you do not blast the soil from the pot with too strong a spray. Water until water runs from the bottom of the pot. Watering is best done in the morning so the tree and soil are fully hydrated during the hottest part of the day. It is often said that it is impossible to over-water a bonsai if it is in a good potting mix. However, down and become more compacted, the pot will not drain as freely as it once did.
So some trees may require water today and others not. You should check to see if your bonsai need water by gently probing with your finger slightly below the soil surface to check for moisture. Do not water if the soil is still moist. However, do not let the soil become bone dry. Some bonsai growers insert a short section of wooden chopstick near the edge of the pot. To
Because bonsai trees are cultivated in limited amounts of soil, adequate feed is very important. As a general rule, a small amount of feed is given in the spring and a larger amount in the fall.
check moisture simply withdraw the chopstick and examine it for moisture. Then replace it again. Most conifers generally don’t like their roots to be wet all the time and tolerate dry conditions better than broadleaf trees. Smaller pots will require more frequent watering than larger pots. Wind, humidity, pot size, temperature, and soil compaction all are factors in how often you should water. When you go on vacation have a reliable neighbor water your trees.
Unlike a houseplant, bonsai trees use a “free draining” type of soil because their roots cannot tolerate “wet feet”. In addition, they are grown in significantly less soil and, therefore require more watering. Factors such as tree location, temperature, lighting conditions, quantity of soil used, and the changing seasons will determine the frequency of watering. You can get to know when your tree needs to be watered by observing the foliage, testing the soil with your index finger just below the surface, or just by the weight of the pot. (The drier the tree, the lighter it will
feel.) To take the guesswork out of watering, an inexpensive moisture meter which works very much like a thermometer comes in handy. Insert it into the soil and the movement of the needle will tell you if it is time to water.
Rainwater is best for watering plants, but tap water that has stood for a few hours is adequate. In summer, trees should be watered in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. This will prevent the leaves of the finer bonsai from burning. In winter, water early to permit any excess to
All potted plants will eventually outgrow their containers. While houseplants need to be “pottedup”, that is, placed in larger and larger containers, the miniaturization of a bonsai trees is maintained by keeping the roots confined to the small container.
drain before the night frost. Plunging the pot into a bowl to soak is ideal for recently potted trees, small collections and for trees that have dried out. Be sure to drain properly, however!
0 commenti :
Post a Comment