Bonsai watering is one of the most important aspects of growing bonsai trees. There are a number of factors that impact your tree’s watering needs, including its size, pot type and location.
The need for water varies between bonsai trees, but most have an average moisture requirement of about 1 inch of water per week. This is enough to keep the soil moist and not too much, which can damage the roots of a bonsai.
Using your fingers to check the soil’s dryness is an effective way of testing the moisture level in the soil. Simply place your finger about 1 cm into the soil. If it feels almost dry, water the plant immediately.
You can also use a chopstick, popsicle or tongue depressor to test the soil’s moisture level. If the chopstick, popsicle or tongue has darkened or a watermark appears, then the soil is dry and it’s time to water your plant.
If you’re not sure how to read the moisture levels in the soil, a bonsai moisture meter is a great tool to have on hand. This device is very easy to use and will give you an accurate reading of the moisture level in your tree’s soil.
Most indoor bonsai require humidity, especially during the winter months. Central heat can often dry out the air and the room, making it necessary to increase the humidity around your bonsai. Fortunately, there are several easy and affordable methods to add more humidity to the area where your bonsai is growing.