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Watering Video Sample
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BONSAI CARE - Watering

How?
  • Water from above (shower), but be careful not to wash the soil away.
  • Water by submerging the bonsai (only deep enough to cover the soil).
What?
  • Use rain water if possible. If tap water is to be used, let the water stands for over 24 hours before use.
When?
  • Water only when the plant needs to be watered, not according to a fixed schedule. Use the fingering test to check the dryness of the soil by inserting your finger into the bonsai soil. If the soil is loose and dry, it is time to water.
Factors that influence watering:
  • Soil Mixture - The primary components that hold water are organic and inorganic materials, peat moss, vermiculite and clay. The components that increase drainage are bark, lava rock, coarse sand, and perlite.
  • Fertilizer - Fertilizer can affect how fast a plant will grow and accelerate the soil's drying time.
  • Disease - Root rot decreases the ability of the plant to take in water and slows down the time it takes for the soil to dry. An indication of root rot in bonsai occurs when a plant wilts and the soil remains wet. Immediate root pruning will be necessary. Make sure the soil is dry before continuing to water.
  • Wind - Wind increases transpiration and decreases the watering interval. Strong wind can quickly dry out a plant. In general, you should not place bonsai in an area that receives prevailing wind. In winter, wind can be a potential problem when the soil around the roots freexe. The roots will fail to absorb water, while the foliage and stems continue to loose water. It is very important to protect plants from wind, and to make sure your plants are thoroughly watered before the onset of cold drying winds.
  • Sunlight - More exposure to sunlight will increase the amount of watering required.
  • Temperature - High temperature increases transpiration even in the absence of light and causes soils to dry faster. Temperatures above 80F, from morning to full sun, will usually require watering everyday for bonsai especially in a low air humidity environment.
  • Humidity - Increasing humidity can be valuable in extending the watering cycle even in a hot dry climate.
  • Size of Container - A larger volume of soils decreases the drying time and vice versa.
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