How to Water Your Bonsai
How to Water Your Bonsai
Watering is one of the most important parts of bonsai care, but it can take a bit of time to get right. One of the questions we get asked most often at Somerset Bonsai is how often a bonsai needs watering. The simple answer is that it depends on the tree and the conditions it's kept in.
There isn't really a set routine to follow. Some days your bonsai might need watering, while on others the soil may still be damp enough.
When should you water your bonsai?
The easiest way to tell is by checking the soil. Gently feel the surface with your finger. If it's starting to feel a little dry, it's usually time to water. Try not to let the soil become completely dry, as this can put a lot of stress on the tree.
During the warmer months, you will generally need to check your bonsai twice a day. In summer, especially when it's hot or windy, some trees may need watering more than once a day. In winter, watering is usually less frequent, but it's still important to check the soil.
Do you need to feed bonsai trees?
Of course! Feeding your bonsai is an important part of keeping it healthy and encouraging strong, steady growth. As bonsai are grown in small pots with limited nutrients, regular feeding helps replace the nutrients the tree uses. Using a suitable bonsai fertiliser helps maintain healthy leaves, support new growth and keep your tree in good condition.
Our fertiliser is best used once a week for indoor bonsai. For outdoor bonsai, we recommend feeding once a week during spring and summer, stopping throughout winter when the tree is dormant.
Be careful not to overfeed your bonsai and always follow the instructions on your fertiliser.
Are moisture meters helpful?
Yes, using moisture meters can give a good indication for watering and we definitely recommend them if you’re new to bonsai. However, they should only be used as an indication, they are not always completely accurate.
How to water your bonsai
When watering your bonsai, it's best to give it a thorough soak rather than just a small amount of water.
Using a watering can with a fine rose, water evenly over the surface of the soil until you see water coming out of the drainage holes underneath the pot. This helps make sure the roots have received enough water.
It's also important to let the excess water drain away. Bonsai don't like sitting in water, as this can lead to root problems.
Does the time of year make a difference?
Absolutely. The changing seasons have a big impact on how much water your bonsai needs.
In spring, as new growth starts to appear, your tree will begin to use more water. During summer, you'll need to keep a closer eye on it, particularly during hot spells.
As autumn arrives and temperatures begin to drop, your bonsai will generally need less water. During winter, outdoor bonsai tend to use very little water while dormant, although they should never be left to dry out completely.
Here in Somerset, the weather can be quite unpredictable, so it's always worth checking the soil rather than relying on the time of year alone.
Indoor and outdoor bonsai
Indoor and outdoor bonsai have slightly different watering needs. Indoor trees can dry out quickly in warm rooms, especially when they're kept near radiators. Outdoor trees are affected by rainfall, wind and changes in temperature.
It's worth remembering that even if it's rained, your outdoor bonsai might still need watering. Rain doesn't always reach the soil properly, particularly if the tree has a dense canopy.
Misting your bonsai
Misting your bonsai can help keep the leaves clean and remove dust, while adding a little moisture to the surrounding environment. For indoor bonsai we recommend misting your bonsai tree once or twice a week. However, if you have a warm or dry house, we definitely recommend misting your bonsai at least every two days to keep humidly levels up.
Outdoor bonsai are already exposed to moisture in the air so shouldn’t need misting. Although it will appreciate it on very hot days in the summer, particularly in the evening time.
A few common mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes is watering to a strict daily schedule. It's easy to assume that because you watered your bonsai yesterday, it won't need watering today. However, the weather and growing conditions can change quickly.
Overwatering can also be a problem. Keeping the soil constantly wet can prevent the roots from getting enough oxygen, potentially causing them to rot. On the other hand, allowing the soil to dry out completely can cause serious damage.
The best approach is simply to check your tree regularly and water when it needs it.
Our advice at Somerset Bonsai
The more time you spend looking after your bonsai, the easier it becomes to understand what it needs. Get into the habit of checking the soil, pay attention to the weather and don't be afraid to ask for advice if you're unsure.
Every tree is different, and learning its individual needs is all part of the enjoyment of owning a bonsai.
Happy growing, from Somerset Bonsai!