It’s fair to say that bonsai trees are some of the most unique and delightful plants around, so it’s no wonder that they are such a popular and well loved species. These small, neat and perfectly formed plants often take years to rear and grow, but taking good care of your adult bonsai plant can seem just as tricky as starting one from seed!
One of the biggest stumbling blocks that many people fail to grasp is how to water a bonsai tree appropriately. You might be thinking, how long can bonsai go without water? How much water is too much for a bonsai? But don’t fret - this handy guide contains all of the information you need to take the best care of your bonsai, helping it to thrive for years to come.
Read on to learn more about how to water bonsai properly.
How often should bonsai be watered?
It is recommended that you can commit to watering your bonsai paint at least once every 2 days . However, you should only choose to water this regularly if you use a good soil that is able to drain quickly - this is the ideal environment for a healthy bonsai. Some choose to wait until a bonsai’s topsoil is totally dry but it is best to check by simply sticking your finger into the dirt and if it is not damp then water . Although watering every 2 days is best for most, bear in mind that this is more of a general rule, and certain species of bonsai may require more or less water. Trial and error can help you to pinpoint the most appropriate water schedule for your unique bonsai, as you’ll soon find a happy medium that works for your plant.
What are the best watering methods?
A large percentage of bonsai trees thrive in high humidity conditions, which essentially means they have to be watered pretty generously. In order to properly hydrate your miniature tree, there are two main methods that you can make the most of to water your bonsai - watering from the top, and watering from the bottom.
From the top -
In order to water a bonsai from the top, simply spray a gentle stream of water over the tree and soil for around 30 seconds to 1 minute leave this to soak in and then repeat. It’s best not to use a regular watering can (but one with a fine rose fitted is ideal) , as this may encourage overwatering. Any excess water will flow out of the holes in the base of your bonsai pot. This method is best suited to outdoor Bonsai.
Alternatively, you hydrate your bonsai by letting it soak it up and absorb water from the roots. In this case, fill a flat container with two or three inches of water and place your bonsai pot into it, ensuring the drainage holes have easy access to the water. The roots will suck up the water they need, but this will take longer than watering from the top. Leave your bonsai tree for 10-15 minutes in the water before removing and allowing excess water to drain.
Bonsai can go without water for no more than a few days, so make sure you stay on top of your plant hydration schedule!