Survival Guide: Watering Bonsai

Watering is undoubtedly the most important step when it comes to the good health of your Bonsai . They do not tolerate drought.

Neglecting this daily step is putting their lives in danger. Conversely, careful and controlled watering of your tree will allow it to flourish and develop peacefully.

To grow the best shrub possible, you need to understand when, how, and with what tools to water it. Our little Survival Guide will help you achieve this!

1) How often should I water my Bonsai?

How often your tree needs to be watered depends on several factors. We'll consider the species and size of your tree, the type of pot , the season , the soil , and the climate ! There's no magic answer to this question, but there are plenty of tips and habits to adopt...

Wait until the soil is dry to water your tree

Although well-intentioned, overwatering is harmful to your plant. We recommend waiting until the soil dries out before watering. You don't need any special tools; your finger will do! Observe the soil, then insert half a finger into the soil to assess the moisture content. Dry soil is indicated by a very light color.

This check should become a daily habit . You should not wait until your tree is suffering to water it. If the leaves are falling, it means you have waited too long and it has suffered from a lack of water .

Water your plant according to its needs

If you have multiple bonsai trees, it's important to monitor them individually. Some trees will consume more water than others. Avoid falling into a routine and constantly question your bonsai's needs. In summer, the soil will need to be moistened much more regularly than in winter, for example.

Reproduce natural watering of the earth

When you water your tree, it is the soil that must be watered, not the foliage. You can refresh it, but it is the roots that will absorb the water. We advise you to water your plant generously to hydrate the entire root system . Pouring too much water could leach the soil , but the drainage holes in the pot are there to evacuate excess water.

When to water?

There is no restriction regarding the time of watering bonsai.

2) What tools should I use to water my Bonsai?

Using the garden hose

If you have several bonsai trees outdoors, it can be very convenient to water them with a hose. You won't be limited in your watering capacity. However, it is important to use a fine mist spray gun. Without one, the pressure of the watering jet could be too strong and cause the water and soil to overflow from the pot. It is important to be able to control the amount of water and the intensity of the jet.

This method is not suitable for indoor plant growers. We strongly recommend using indoor watering cans!

The traditional Japanese copper watering can

Historically, the Japanese watered their bonsai using long copper watering cans. These attractive watering cans offer excellent maneuverability thanks to their two handles. These handles are placed behind and above the watering can. They allow for very precise two-handed watering. The long spout of these watering cans also makes them very pleasant to use.

However, Japanese watering cans do have some drawbacks. Copper is an expensive metal, so these watering cans are often very expensive . Furthermore, copper is a material that requires maintenance. These watering cans are susceptible to oxidation and will need to be polished regularly with special products. Finally, their long spout makes them impractical, which doesn't solve the problem for indoor bonsai owners.

Modern Japanese Watering Cans!

New Japanese watering cans have appeared on the market to address the original flaws. These modern adaptations are generally more compact, lighter, and less expensive. Made of plastic, they require little maintenance. They feature the long spout and two handles, which are very useful for watering bonsai trees. These models are often removable, making them ideal for indoor gardeners. Choose one with a watering nozzle that replicates the natural effect of rain.

Drip Irrigation: The Ultimate Solution for Going on Vacation!

A bonsai can't survive without you! Don't leave it alone while you're on vacation. Drip irrigation will be your best friend. This type of watering system allows you to continuously hydrate your plant while you're away. These adjustable automatic watering systems are available at very affordable prices.

The type of watering system you choose will depend on the number of plants and your storage space. Available in all price ranges and sizes, our collections will perfectly meet your needs. For the launch of our article, we're offering you a 10% discount with the code: BONSAI10