Water is essential for all plants. It is needed for photosynthesis, nutrient transport and temperature regulation. Without water, the plant cannot feed itself, would have no stability, and would overheat. Since a bonsai plant grows in a pot and the soil can only hold a limited amount of water, proper watering is critical to the survival and health of the plant.
As a general rule, rainwater is best for watering bonsai plants. It does not contain unwanted nutrients and salts, and the pH is usually neutral as well. Well or tap water, on the other hand, can be high in calcium and salts and can damage sensitive plants in the long run.
Classically, a bonsai is watered with a watering can. More convenient, of course, is a watering device, especially if several trees need to be supplied. When watering, the substrate surface is thoroughly watered around the trunk. Before the water runs over the edge of the tray, watering is stopped and you wait until the water has soaked into the soil. This process is repeated until the water runs out of the drainage holes under the pot.
A practical and effective method of irrigation is dipping. This involves completely submerging the pot with the root ball under water. The tree is then left in the water basin until no more air bubbles rise. The soil has then absorbed sufficient water. Submerging is especially recommended for plants with strong roots or compacted soil.
Especially in summer, a bonsai needs to be watered regularly and thoroughly. However, it is not possible to give a concrete recommendation how often a tree must be watered. Rather, the timing depends on the needs of the plant. Depending on the type of plant, substrate, pot size and weather, watering can vary greatly. Watering should be resumed only when the soil has visibly dried. You can also feel the moisture below the top layer of soil with your fingers or judge whether the tree is dry or wet by its weight.
Of course, the most common concern is that the plant will dry out. In fact, one hot summer day without watering can be enough to permanently damage or even kill a small bonsai. In addition to an inspection of the soil, floppy leaves, shoots or burns on the tips of the leaves are clear indicators of impending drought damage.
A common maintenance mistake is excessive watering. This leads to waterlogging and, due to the lack of oxygen in the soil, to root rot in the medium term. The damage to the root tips means that the plant can no longer feed itself and regulate its temperature. A typical sign of root damage is a weak and caring leaf sprout. If root damage is not detected in time, the plant may die.
Successfully cultivating bonsai in a pot is only possible if people are aware of the plant's needs and take them into account accordingly in their care. Proper watering is an important prerequisite for healthy roots and thus for optimal nutrient supply and healthy plant growth.
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