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G'day Friends...

Again…I say: My OPINIONS…that is, what works for me…in the interests of keeping bonsai healthy and happy.

For whatever it’s worth…I have posted, several times, to this forum, the following:

In order for you to water your bonsai properly, you need to learn the watering needs of each of your trees. One of the following statements should describe the needs of each of your trees:

Keep soil moist at all times, but not wet.
Water only if the soil is drying out.
Water when the soil is almost dry.
Water when the soil has dried to the point that it will be DRY before your next watering.
When soil is DRY, water yesterday.

Now…I have nothing but the greatest respect for Paul, Brent and Jerry. All three provide excellent resources.

Further, I’m not at all convinced that I said anything that conflicts with their advice.

But, you said “…You should really let it dry out almost completely…”.

Paul said (from your quote) “…allowing to dry out slightly before watering…”.

Brent (from your quote) “…if the soil is dry down past a quarter of an inch, it probably needs watering…”.

Jerry said (from your quote) “…Ficus have quite an ability to tolerate dehydration…”.
Jerry said, further, from his book FICUS: THE EXOTIC BONSAI “…Figs resent bone dry conditions but absolutely hate constantly soggy conditions…”.

Again, my OPINION…I don’t think that either of them intended to say “… You should really let it dry out almost completely …“ as a regular practice.

Even the “JoeBonsai” story is a tale of an extreme experience…not regular practice.

Again, my OPINIONS…

In the interests of keeping your bonsai healthy and happy…

Pat

__________________
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.

Pat Patterson...Bonsai in the Greater Bay Area, Northern California

1 Week Ago	#12
PatArizona Bonsai Master, in my mind Join Date: Feb-2005 Location: Back Home in Northern California Country: USA Posts: 1,477	G'day Friends... Again…I say: My OPINIONS…that is, what works for me…in the interests of keeping bonsai healthy and happy. For whatever it’s worth…I have posted, several times, to this forum, the following: In order for you to water your bonsai properly, you need to learn the watering needs of each of your trees. One of the following statements should describe the needs of each of your trees: Keep soil moist at all times, but not wet. Water only if the soil is drying out. Water when the soil is almost dry. Water when the soil has dried to the point that it will be DRY before your next watering. When soil is DRY, water yesterday. Now…I have nothing but the greatest respect for Paul, Brent and Jerry. All three provide excellent resources. Further, I’m not at all convinced that I said anything that conflicts with their advice. But, you said “…You should really let it dry out almost completely…”. Paul said (from your quote) “…allowing to dry out slightly before watering…”. Brent (from your quote) “…if the soil is dry down past a quarter of an inch, it probably needs watering…”. Jerry said (from your quote) “…Ficus have quite an ability to tolerate dehydration…”. Jerry said, further, from his book FICUS: THE EXOTIC BONSAI “…Figs resent bone dry conditions but absolutely hate constantly soggy conditions…”. Again, my OPINION…I don’t think that either of them intended to say “… You should really let it dry out almost completely …“ as a regular practice. Even the “JoeBonsai” story is a tale of an extreme experience…not regular practice. Again, my OPINIONS… In the interests of keeping your bonsai healthy and happy… Pat __________________ 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. Pat Patterson...Bonsai in the Greater Bay Area, Northern California