Understanding your bonsai's watering needs
A bonsai is an extraordinarily complex plant; you are training it to behave in a way that is dissimilar to its natural behavior. In Japan, bonsai experts say it can take 3 years to learn to water a bonsai correctly. Thus, the simple choice of which bonsai watering can, or even whether you use one, can make all the difference to your success or failure at raising bonsai. You need to understand your bonsai's watering needs and select the right tools accordingly.
How to water bonsai
Firstly, do not just assume you can set up a fixed watering routine, and all will be fine. This may be advised by the shop that sold you your bonsai but, in certain conditions, you could end up swamping your bonsai roots, so they do not breathe, and the result will be root rot and a dead bonsai. In other conditions, the watering may not be enough and your bonsai will starve for water and die. Daily checking of your bonsai is advisable, but not necessarily daily watering. Carefully observe the compost of your bonsai, get to know the color change as it dries out, BUT, you need to know how the top centimeter of the compost is doing. The compost should dry out a little between watering as this avoids over watering and swamping your bonsai. However, once that top centimeter is dry, that is when your bonsai needs more water. This could take 12 hours to a week depending on the surrounding ambient temperature, the type of bonsai, how quickly it grows and the pot size. If you keep your bonsai outdoors, the rainfall obviously has an impact, but do not assume just because it has rained it has enough water. Similarly, if there has been a heavy rainfall, check the drainage of the pot and make sure the roots are not waterlogged. If you use a bonsai watering can, a good one, you can regulate your bonsai's water quantity and get to know how much water it needs.
Types of bonsai watering can
The best type of bonsai watering can is the one with a fine rose spray attached as this will not disturb the compost or soil around your bonsai. You should water the bonsai until the compost is thoroughly soaked and water comes out of the drainage holes. Leave the bonsai for twenty minutes or so and water again until the water runs out of the drainage holes. A bonsai watering can that has a long neck is great for reaching under the foliage directly to the trunk and the roots, enabling water to get to the root system quickly. Look for the traditional Japanese styled bonsai watering can, galvanized steel is the best material, and a long neck with fine rose attachment; your bonsai watering can is a tool, but can also look attractive if you choose wisely.
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