The Essential Guide to Watering Your Bonsai

🌳 Introduction: Why Watering is Key

Watering is the most crucial skill in bonsai care. It's not a set schedule; it's a constant observation of your tree, your soil, and the environment. Getting this right is the difference between a thriving tree and a quickly declining one. We use a simple rule: "Water when needed, not when told."

The Golden Rule of Bonsai Watering

Always thoroughly saturate the soil. You should never "sprint" water your tree. The goal is to ensure that every root ball receives moisture.

"Watering should be done until it runs freely out of the drainage holes. Then, water again five minutes later to ensure complete saturation."

💦 How to Tell When Your Tree Needs Water

The 3 Methods of Checking

• The Look Test: When the soil surface turns a lighter color, it's starting to dry out.
• The Feel Test: Stick your index finger about an inch into the soil. If it's bone dry, it's time to water.
• The Weight Test: Lift the pot! A dry pot feels significantly lighter than a recently watered one. This is the fastest method once you gain experience.

Seasonal Adjustments

Your watering needs will drastically change based on the time of year:

• Summer: High heat and wind can require watering twice a day.
• Winter: Dormant trees indoors might only need watering every 3 to 7 days.

For beginners, remember the soil mix used, like a quick-draining mix of akadama, pumice, and lava rock, will dry out faster. If your mix contains a lot of organic matter, like standard potting soil, you need to be very careful. Check your soil type (e.g., 50% Akadama).