August 10, 2021

Water Bonsai

Water bonsai varies for each type of bonsai tree and where it’s located; indoors or outdoors.

Let’s dive in and discuss how to water bonsai, how to water different types of bonsai, how often to water bonsai, how much water bonsai trees need and how to water bonsai on vacation.

How to water different types of bonsai trees

So how much water does a bonsai tree need?

Water jasmine bonsai trees

 

The simple answer is very infrequently

If you have a jasmine bonsai tree then you need to water your bonsai exactly once per week.

Jasmine is susceptible to root rot if overwatered and will die quickly if left in water for too long.

I recommend putting your jasmine bonsai tree on top of small rocks in a plant pot so that the water drains out of the bottom as soon as possible.

If not, just stick it in a much larger pot with more drainage holes and put rocks inside to help.

Watering ficus bonsai trees

If you have a ficus bonsai tree, then you need to water it about once or twice per week.

A well-maintained ficus can live indoors without sunlight for many months at a time when properly watered and fertilized.

Fertilization is important because the lack of sunlight will cease photosynthesis and therefore the ficus will not be able to produce energy from sunlight.

Fertilization is important because if it does not receive sun, then it must produce its own energy through chemicals in the soil.

How to water a bonsai juniper

The amount of water your bonsai you will need to give your juniper bonsai tree is very little.

In fact, I’d say only water them once every few months or so.  Junipers are used as outdoor trees because they can withstand extreme weather and soil conditions far better than most other trees.

They can benefit from a deep watering about once per year.

How to water jade bonsai trees

Jade bonsai trees are very susceptible to overwatering and will quickly die in excess moisture.

If you have a jade bonsai tree, then it should be watered exactly once every two weeks or so and only if the top of the soil is very dry.

If you see moisture seeping out of the bottom, then that means it’s time to water your jade bonsai tree.

Water japanese maple bonsai trees

The amount of water  you’ll need to give your maple bonsai tree is very little.

Maple trees are used as outdoor trees because they can withstand extreme weather and soil conditions better than most other trees.

They are also very hardy, but will still benefit from a deep watering about once per year.

How to water pine bonsai trees

Pine bonsai trees are very susceptible to overwatering and will quickly die in excess moisture.

If you have a pine bonsai tree, then it should be watered exactly once every two weeks or so and only if the top of the soil is very dry.

If you see moisture seeping out of the bottom, then that means it’s time to water your pine bonsai tree.

How to water maple bonsai trees indoors

If you have a maple bonsai tree and it is indoors, then it should be watered exactly once every two weeks or so.

Maple trees are used as outdoor trees because they can withstand extreme weather and soil conditions better than most other trees.

They also benefit from a deep watering about once per year.

How to water pine bonsai trees indoors

If you have a pine bonsai tree and it is indoors, then it should be watered exactly once every two weeks or so.

Pine trees are used as outdoor trees because they can withstand extreme weather and soil conditions better than most other trees.

They also benefit from a deep watering.

How to water a juniper bonsai tree indoors

If you have a juniper bonsai tree, then it should be watered exactly once every two weeks or so.

Junipers are used as outdoor trees because they can withstand extreme weather and soil conditions much better than most other trees.

They will also benefit from a deep watering about once per year.

How to water an azalea bonsai tree indoors

[Thanks to Fine Art America ]

If you have an azalea bonsai tree, then it should be watered exactly once every two weeks or so.

Azaleas are used as outdoor trees because they can withstand extreme weather and soil conditions much better than most other trees.

They will also benefit from a deep watering about once per year.

How to water an oak bonsai tree indoors

If you have an oak bonsai tree, then it should be watered exactly once every two weeks or so.

Oaks are used as outdoor trees because they can withstand extreme weather and soil conditions much better than most other trees.  They will also benefit from a deep watering about once per year.

How to water a larch bonsai tree indoors

If you have a larch bonsai tree, then it should be watered exactly once every two weeks or so.

Larches are used as outdoor trees because they can withstand extreme weather and soil conditions much better than most other trees.  They will also benefit from a deep watering about once per year.

Typical watering schedule

However, if your bonsai is indoors in a home with central air conditioning – as most people in the West have nowadays – you should water less frequently than if it was outdoors.

This is because an indoor environment doesn’t have enough fluctuation in it’s temperature to evaporate much water.  The tree is in a stable environment where the humidity is near constant.

So, you should water your bonsai less frequently and give it more thorough watering when you do water it.

For example, if I live inside an apartment I might only water my ficus once a week.

Due to the lack of humidity in the apartment, I’d give it a very thorough watering and let the water sit for a few minutes as opposed to just pouring it in and letting it drain out.

The key is to keep your bonsai soil moist enough that you can feel moisture near the surface – not so wet that you feel water running out when you water.

How to water bonsai properly

When you do water your bonsai, it will need to be placed in a large bucket or bathtub to catch all the excess water.

You can use any amount of water that is necessary including using power tools to pour buckets of water onto your bonsai!

If you’re going to use hoses, make sure to use above-ground hoses and not the typical in-ground hose that can damage your bonsai’s shallow roots.

Pour water onto the top of the soil and allow it to drain out the bottom.

You should keep a close eye on your bonsai to make sure you don’t overwater or underwater it.

Almost all types of bonsai trees are susceptible to root rot if overwatered.

When you water your bonsai, you should allow it to dry out partially in between waterings.

In the case of ficus or other tropical plants, they might only need watering once a week.

If that’s the case, you should pour water onto the soil and let it sit for a few hours to see if the water evaporates.

If not, then that’s all your ficus needs for the next week or so.  You can keep an eye on it by touching the surface of the soil everyday or leaving a small tray under it to catch the drips.

Watering your bonsai and sunlight

When you water your bonsai, it should be placed in a room with plenty of ambient light for at least 4 hours afterwards.

If not, your bonsai will lose its leaves and eventually die if the room isn’t bright enough.  Make sure to turn on the lights after watering!

Bonsai water can

If you are going to be using a watering can, then it is best that you choose a bonsai water can with a long spout.

This will allow the water to reach into all of the areas of potting soil easily.

You should also choose one with a long flexible neck, which will make it easier for you to water your bonsai.

You also need to make sure that the watering can has a fine enough spray, as this will ensure that all of the potting soil gets properly wet.

Bonsai watering cans are made of a ceramic material that allows water to travel through the walls.  They’re cheap and found at any bonsai store or online.

Pour your water into the can and let it slowly pass through while you water your bonsai.

 Using a bonsai water meter

The easiest way to water bonsai trees is to use a bonsai meter.  These can be bought at any store that sells bonsai trees and will accurately tell you exactly how much water your tree needs each week.  When using the meter, soak the soil until it is evenly damp throughout.

After watering your bonsai tree, do this.

Waking your bonsai

Every time you water your bonsai, you should be sure to wake it up by lightly shaking it.

This is a process that bonsai enthusiasts call “waking the tree”“.

Waking your bonsai will allow water to soak into all of the areas of potting soil that are in between the roots.

Can bonsai trees grow underwater?

No, bonsai trees will not grow well if they are underwater.  If you try to water a plant underwater, then the water is likely to stay right at the surface and never penetrate down into the soil.

You should also note that many of your indoor plants need light exposure in order for them to properly grow.

How to water bonsai when on vacation

If you are going out of town for a week or two, then there is not much that you can do about watering your bonsai.  Make sure to water it before you go and after you get back from your trip.

You could ask your neighbour if you are going to be away for a long period . Make sure they have good instructions from you before you leave.

 Conclusion

So there you have it, all the tips and tricks to water a bonsai tree and make sure your bonsai trees stay healthy.

Now that you know how often to water them, what tools to use for watering and when is best to do so after a long day of work or school, go ahead and subscribe below.

Our blog will be publishing new articles every week including everything from other gardening tips like fertilizing plants indoors with these easy steps -to- follow instructions on winterizing your outdoor garden before those cold temperatures set in!

About the author 

Greg Reed

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