Bonsai is a popular ornamental plant, but its maintenance is quite tedious. Among the various aspects of care, watering is a crucial part. Is daily watering necessary for bonsai? Let's find out.
I. What is Bonsai
Bonsai is a small plant cultivated in a pot, becoming a beloved horticultural ornamental for enthusiasts due to its unique shapes and beautiful growth habits. Flowers, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants can all be made into bonsai.
II. Principles of Bonsai Care
The principles of bonsai care include sunlight, temperature, air circulation, fertilization, and watering. Among these, watering is a vital link to the life of the bonsai.
III. Common Mistakes in Bonsai Watering
Some people believe that watering daily can keep the bonsai moist, but this method is wrong. Frequent watering can lead to problems such as root hypoxia and root rot.
IV. Scientific Watering Methods for Bonsai
Bonsai watering should be determined by the dryness of the potting soil. Water appropriately when the soil is slightly dry. At the same time, avoid watering the leaves and flowers to prevent pests and diseases.
V. Watering Amounts for Bonsai in Different Seasons
In spring, as temperatures rise, the bonsai's growth rate accelerates, requiring more water. In summer, high temperatures require an increase in watering. In autumn, as temperatures gradually drop, the soil moisture should be reduced accordingly. In winter, watering needs to be controlled to avoid excessive moisture.
VI. Timing for Watering Bonsai
It is best to water on sunny days or during warmer times like morning or afternoon. Especially in summer, avoid watering during the strongest midday sun.
VII. Watering Methods for Bonsai
The choice of watering method should be based on the principle of allowing the roots to absorb water evenly. Methods such as spraying, pouring, or soaking can be chosen.
VIII. Precautions for Watering Bonsai
Before watering, clear debris from the soil surface with your hands or other tools. Also, avoid watering when the temperature is too low to prevent issues like soil cracking due to freezing.
IX. Water Quality for Bonsai
The water quality for bonsai should be clean, unpolluted tap water or rainwater. Water with excessive minerals should not be used, as it can adversely affect plant growth.
X. Watering Frequency for Bonsai
The watering frequency for bonsai should be determined by different seasons and climatic conditions. In summer, with higher temperatures, watering is generally needed once a week. In winter, the watering interval can be appropriately extended.
XI. Amount of Water for Bonsai
The amount of water for bonsai should be determined by the moisture content of the soil. Typically, the amount of water each time should be about one-third of the total weight of the potting soil.
XII. How to Prevent Waterlogging in Bonsai
There are two ways to prevent waterlogging in bonsai: one is to place drainage holes at the bottom of the pot to allow excess water to flow out; the other is to choose well-aerated potting soil that allows moisture to be released effectively.
XIII. Duration of Watering for Bonsai
The duration of watering for bonsai should be based on moistening the potting soil. Do not overwater to avoid excessive humidity. Generally, the watering duration should be around 10-20 minutes each time.
XIV. What to Do After Watering Bonsai
After watering, wipe off excess water from the soil surface to prevent waterlogging. At the same time, promptly drain any excess water from the bottom of the pot.
XV.
Watering is a crucial aspect of bonsai care. Proper watering methods can keep the bonsai healthy and growing vigorously. It is hoped that through this introduction, everyone can learn the correct methods for watering bonsai.