Quote:
Originally posted by dyedwab
most likely, most people-safe water is likely OK for your bonsai.
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Quote:
Originally posted by BrianBay9
Any water that you can drink will be OK for your plants
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Thanks you both for making this point. I was responding to the specific, original question (
Q: Which is better: well or rain water?) and perhaps a more general response is in order!
1. The vast majority of growers can grow bonsai that thrive on their usual supply of drinking water, whether that is plain tap water, municipal water, whatever is readily available from the well, spring, lake or creek or comes to the door in bottles.
2. Some species are pickier and prefer softer and/or acidic water, and a few people in poor water quality areas will find those more difficult to grow. We're talking about a minority of plants, like Azalea, Gardenia and some tropicals. If you're having problems it might be worth checking your water or trying "better" water on a few selected specimens.
3. In extreme cases of water hardness or salinity or pH problems: Most municipalities will publish a water quality report periodically (once or twice a year) it lists the actual water sources, the salinity, contaminants and so forth. Water pH can be tested inexpensively using a simple pool pH test kit, usually about $5, or the kind sold for aquarium use. The Federal government has some agricultural offices that will do soil and water testing.
4. Hard water deposits are unsightly, but not in themselves any cause for alarm. They probably bother the grower more than the tree! A seasonal rain, or the annual replacement of leaves on deciduous species will help correct the problem. Pots can be cleaned using a soft "rust eraser," Lime-away (when the trees are not in them) or even Bui's technique posted in the articles section of this website.
Thanks for keeping this on target for everyone!
Regards,
Matt