What kind of water should we water?
Preferably, we will use rainwater or bottlewater as they have a suitable quality and mineral content for irrigation. Tap water is good whenever we let it stand and not cover for at least 24 hours so that the chlorine evaporates. The problem is that there are places where water is very hard and should not be used for watering plants even if we use a descaler.
How often should we water?
Each species has water requirements, depending on the original climate. It also depends on the daily weather that is exposed to the sun, the size of the vase ... But by normal gerda, we will water each time it is realized that the substrate has lost moisture. We will lightly introduce the index finger a couple of centimeters into the earth: if the fingertip touches a damp substrate, there are no problems; If the tip is dry, it is time to water.
It is essential that the substrate is always moist.
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| source pic: planetahuerto.pt |
How should we water?
There are 2 main methods for watering bonsai: by watering it or by immersing it in water.
Watering with watering can
To avoid moving or eroding the substrate, we will use a fine-hole watering can, which allows water to fall smoothly and simulates rain fall. We will water a lot until water comes out of the drainage holes.
Drainage holes are essential for proper watering, as they allow the soil to expel water that would otherwise drench and spoil the bonsai. It is important, then, to make sure that it drains well and that we also change the vessel's boss each time it has water to avoid puddles.
Immersion watering
To water by immersion, we need a container full of water in which to deposit the bonsai. That's right: water should only cover to the surface of the earth. We should introduce our bonsai for about 5 minutes until it stops bubbling.
This system serves to hydrate the substrate and bonsai well, if you forget to water, for example, and is also useful to prove that we are taking good care of it: if it bubbles a lot, it means we have to water more, and if it bubbles a little, it will be because we water a lot.
It is important to alternate this watering, if it is our main option, with watering with watering.
Auto watering
There is also a very reliable and efficient bonsai self-watering system for holidays or specific days which, for whatever reason, cannot be watered as usual. It consists of a "wick" through which, by capillarity, water meets the needs of bonsai.
Other advice for proper watering
Vacation Watering
The holidays, together with the excess of care, are two of the main "causes of mortality" of the bonsai. The best option is for a family member or friend to take care of our little tree during our absence, with its corresponding indications of basic care. If not, we can opt for a watering programmer who has proven about 2 weeks before leaving the bonsai alone. This way we can see if it works correctly.
Steamer with steaming
From time to time our bonsai like to be sprayed with water under pressure, like a light rain, simulating the morning dew. When bonsai is in town or indoors, it doesn't have that option, so spraying it from time to time (once a week, for example) will be a good option.
Also, serves to clean the leaves!
We recommend spraying with the "sunset", never at noon, and trying to reach all the leaves of our bonsai.
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