Jay

Hi... just a quick thought for now. Were are you? You say the temp is 9-13, is that F or C? As for the tree not needing water, when it is dorment it will not require watering as often as when it is growing. Don't panic... if by chance it has died (and I hope it has not) doing the correct thing for it will not hurt. If it is still alive, well doing the right thing is..... well....right! Watering by submergeing is not going to kill it!
Have patience and hopefully all will be well.

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A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing