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H) WATERING-IN

Watering-in helps to insure that any fines that remain in the bonsai soil after planting are flushed through the soil and out the drainage holes. If improper or incomplete watering is done after repotting, these fines will remain suspended in the pot, where they can obstruct drainage and cause problems down the road. Even the best bonsai soils will break down a bit under the force of repotting, either through abrasion or pressure in settling the soil. Flushing this material out takes just a few minutes of extra effort.

Using a hose or watering can with a fine rose mounted, thoroughly irrigate the tree and allow the water to flow through the drainage holes until it runs clear. This may take 5 to 10 minutes or so, depending on the container volume and the amount of suspended matter.

You may cover the surface of the pot with a light layer of chopped long-fiber sphagnum moss to help retain humidity. The moss should not cover more than about 1/3 of the soil surface. The tree should be returned to its growing area. It's particularly important that the pot be allowed to have sun to let it warm to encourage the roots to grow and recover. Mist the tree, but do not water again until the soil has begun to dry somewhat.

I) When the tree has recovered and is actively growing you may decide to add top dressing or moss. Moss spores may be added in a light dusting over the top layer. Follow the instructions on the package. Within a month or so moss will have begun to develop. Alternatively, moss may be harvested from another tree, but moss that grows in place usually is more pleasing. Do not allow the moss to cover more than 1/4 of the surface of the pot, and be sure that it is not allowed to grow up the tree and onto the bark. Avoid long-fibered moss and all kinds of hornwort. These tend to clog the soil surface and impede drainage.

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31-Oct-2001	#7
TreeBay Tips:5¢ Advice:Free *MODERATOR GROUP* Join Date: Aug-2001 Location: Silicon Valley Country: USA USDA Zone: 9 AHS Heat Zone: 4 Posts: 9,742	REPOT - Watering In H) WATERING-IN Watering-in helps to insure that any fines that remain in the bonsai soil after planting are flushed through the soil and out the drainage holes. If improper or incomplete watering is done after repotting, these fines will remain suspended in the pot, where they can obstruct drainage and cause problems down the road. Even the best bonsai soils will break down a bit under the force of repotting, either through abrasion or pressure in settling the soil. Flushing this material out takes just a few minutes of extra effort. Using a hose or watering can with a fine rose mounted, thoroughly irrigate the tree and allow the water to flow through the drainage holes until it runs clear. This may take 5 to 10 minutes or so, depending on the container volume and the amount of suspended matter. You may cover the surface of the pot with a light layer of chopped long-fiber sphagnum moss to help retain humidity. The moss should not cover more than about 1/3 of the soil surface. The tree should be returned to its growing area. It's particularly important that the pot be allowed to have sun to let it warm to encourage the roots to grow and recover. Mist the tree, but do not water again until the soil has begun to dry somewhat. I) When the tree has recovered and is actively growing you may decide to add top dressing or moss. Moss spores may be added in a light dusting over the top layer. Follow the instructions on the package. Within a month or so moss will have begun to develop. Alternatively, moss may be harvested from another tree, but moss that grows in place usually is more pleasing. Do not allow the moss to cover more than 1/4 of the surface of the pot, and be sure that it is not allowed to grow up the tree and onto the bark. Avoid long-fibered moss and all kinds of hornwort. These tend to clog the soil surface and impede drainage. Content ©2001-2002 TreeBay.com, All Rights Reserved __________________ Want to be a seller on bonsaiAUCTIONS? Get authorized today! bonsaiTALK: Over 100,005.36 Megabytes Served this Month!