Am I overwatering my bonsai?

Kuri_Chan

Hi I just recently got a new bonsai (my first) for christmas and I was wondering if someone could give me some advice. I have a feeling I've been overwatering my bonsai tree cause recently theres been what appears to be mould growing on the surface of the compost. I'm worried cause I think it may end up affecting the pH of the soil or something killing my tree I was thinking of allowing the soil to dry up a little possibly killing off the mould but that may also affect the tree! lmao Any advice would be really appreciated
Kthanksbai!

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Joanie

There are a few things that we need to know... mainly, what kind of tree is it? Where do you keep it?

Usually, you want to water when the top inch or so of soil is dry, but the soil is still damp underneath. Try searching "watering", using the 'search' button above. There's a whole lot of information on it! You don't want the tree sitting in water, and you don't want the tree drying out. You want the water to flush through the soil, renewing the oxygen, but you also want the soil to dry on the top.

There isn't really a problem with white mold hurting your tree, but the mold can be an indicator that you are watering too much.

And depending upon the tree, it may be dormant now, which means that it won't take up as much water as it will during an active growing season.

Joanie

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Kuri_Chan

Thanks Joanie
Its a Zanthoxylum Pepper Tree. In the way of position its on a chest of drawers near a window, but not too close so its away from draughts (it said to keep it away from draughts on the tag). I think i just got a bit over ambitious with the watering after reading something on the net about the fact the soil needs to be constantly moist >< What i'd been doing was putting some water in the oasis underneath rather than in the actual compost itself, but it seems i've put too much in too often.

lance111

Hi Kuri_Chan


To water your tree stick your finger in the soil.. feel to see if it is moist? if it is leave it till you try again tomorrow...
If its dry, water it..! you only water when it needs it.. (you'll get to know when it needs watering by exprience)

When watering it, always water from the top, water to fill the soil full of water (don't be frightened of it) then you should see the water drain from the holes under the pot, within 20 seconds..

Give the leaves a spray with fresh water (morning and night) this is called misting.. If you decided to keep the tray under the pot, be carfull the water isn't able to reach the holes, as this could cause the soil to absorb the water and hold it, causing root rot...

hope this helps, Lance..

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Kuri_Chan

Thanks for the reply I'll definatly try that.

Mcspeed

"In the way of position its on a chest of drawers near a window, but not too close so its away from draughts (it said to keep it away from draughts on the tag). "


If you keep it here it won't see the spring, trees need light, you will need to get it under some light, check our search for indoor trees, supplemental lighting etc., there has been a bunch of discussion on it. Florescent lighting is typical.

The watering info from the others is good.

Good Luck.

Kuri_Chan

Would it not be easier to put it on the window sill? I mean I have the blinds always directing natural light onto it but if thats the case would it not be easier to just put it on the sill right next to the window. Ack this thing is getting to be a head ache already ><

BunjinEnt

IF the white stuff doesn't go away by the new watering techniques you've learned, it might be salt build up. As I understand, many parts of England have very hard water. Take the advice of those who have posted previously, but next time you water, maybe use a few litres of rain water or distilled, put plant in sink or outside and and try to flush the white stuff out. As long as the water drains through and you wait until the soil check indicates it's time to water again, you shouldn't have a problem with this style of watering. Hope this helps,

-Wm

Kuri_Chan

Thanks for the tips guys, they seem to be working :3 My bonsai even appears to be growing new leaves to replace the old ones which is a good sign ^^ Anyway i was wondering if someone could tell me if theres a certain time of the year i should try to shape it. As i said before im a pure novice at this XD So any tips about shaping/styling would be greatly appreciated :3
Love me xx