What are the principles of watering bonsai? Mastering these few points is very important
1. The principle of watering
"Do not water when dry, water thoroughly when dry" - this is the principle of watering bonsai. It should be noted that when watering, avoid only wetting the surface soil and giving "half-way water," also called "waist-cut water," meaning the amount of water is insufficient and the pot soil is wet on top and dry below. "Half-way water," because the lower part of the pot soil is not moistened, is extremely unfavorable for tree roots to absorb water. In short, when the pot soil is dry, water enough until the pot soil is moist throughout from top to bottom.
2. Watering methods
[1] Water according to season: In early spring, tree stumps begin to grow, and the amount of water needed gradually increases, but it should not be too much. When branches and leaves grow more vigorously, the amount of watering should be properly controlled to limit the growth of the bonsai landscape. Summers are hot, and both tree transpiration and water evaporation from the pot soil are high, so the amount of watering is greatest. Autumn is dry, so more water should be given accordingly; when the temperature drops and the weather turns cool, the amount of water should be gradually controlled to prevent new shoots from sprouting. After winter begins, trees enter dormancy, and the amount of watering should be reduced. If there is severe freezing weather, water thoroughly before the severe cold arrives, which can prevent death from dry freezing.
[2] Water according to tree species and tree age: Conifers have relatively low transpiration, so the amount of watering can be less. Among them, pines are suitable for being on the drier side, while cypresses are more tolerant of moisture. Broadleaf trees have larger leaf area, greater transpiration, and lose more water, so the amount of watering should be greater. Young trees grow more vigorously than old trees, so their water demand is correspondingly greater. Old, weak-growing tree stumps need less water.
[3] Water according to the growth and development stage: When trees are vigorously sending out shoots and unfolding leaves, the amount of watering should be properly controlled to prevent excessive growth. During flower bud formation, water should be restricted to promote flower bud differentiation. After flowering, during the young fruit swelling stage, water should be sufficient. When tree growth shifts into a slow phase, the amount of water should be gradually reduced. After entering the deciduous dormant period, the water requirement is even less, and the pot soil should be dry, only slightly moist.
[4] Water according to the actual conditions of the pot soil type and the size, texture, and placement environment of the pot. In addition, after trees are potted or repotted, they must be watered thoroughly. On the second day after fertilizing, water once, commonly called "return water." When the difference between water temperature and pot soil temperature is large, do not water immediately; wait until the two temperatures are close before watering. Generally, in spring, summer, and autumn, it is suitable to water in the morning and evening. In winter, do it around noon.
There are three ways to water: First, root watering, that is, using a watering can or ladle to pour water onto the surface of the pot soil. This is the basic form of watering. When watering, do not use a faucet to spray directly or lift the watering can too high, so as to avoid washing away the pot soil and causing soil compaction. Second, foliar spraying, which is very beneficial to trees that naturally grow in high mountain clouds and mist, such as five-needle pine, true cypress, rhododendron, and camellia. Spraying the leaves of such trees frequently from spring to autumn results in good growth. Deciduous trees should not be sprayed frequently; merely spray at intervals to keep the leaf surface clean. Third, soaking the pot soil. For small and miniature bonsai, when it is not easy to water thoroughly or to prevent watering from washing away the pot soil, the pot can be soaked in water for a moment, and then lifted out after the water has fully moistened the pot soil.