PatArizona

G'day Wayne...

I totally agree winth Joanie's advice...

Joining a local club is probably the best thing you can do...

And, as best you can, water your tree(s) only when water is needed...not every day, unless needed, and not after it has totally dried out.

I would like to expand on what Joanie suggested for watering. The following has evolved through several years of watering in Northern California...and the last 9 years in Southern Arizona.

My Watering Process

The following information assumes that your soil mix is free draining.

Water each individual bonsai only when it needs watering…and every time you water it, give it a thorough drenching!

To determine when a bonsai needs watering, check the water content of the soil at 1½-2” below the surface. I place a small “chopstick” (a bamboo skewer works well) in the soil to get an indication of watering needs. Daily, for each individual bonsai, I pull the “chopstick” out of the soil and check the moisture. If the bonsai needs watering, I do not replace the “chopstick” until after watering...no “chopstick” means water now!

With experience you may be able to tell when a plant needs water by lifting the pot…goodbye “chopstick”!

How do I determine whether or not the soil needs watering? If the "chopstick" comes out with damp soil hanging on to it, it is not yet time to water. However, if there is no damp soil...or...the "chopstick" appears to be dry, then, it is time to water.

If you are not certain of the state of damp/dry, wipe off the dirty end of the "chopstick" and draw it lightly across your cheek. That will give you a feel for how much moisture is in the soil.

If, in your judgment, the soil will dry out before you are able to check it again... now is the time to water. The accuracy in your judgment will come in time...with experience.

Now, on to the actual watering...the Three Step Watering Process.

(1) Always water from the top; get the top of the soil thoroughly wet without watering until water runs out of the drain holes. Wait 5-10 minutes, then;
(2) water until water runs freely from the drain holes. Wait 5-10 minutes, then;
(3) water until the water runs freely from the drain holes.

Hope this helps...

Pat

THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of this advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid!

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BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.