Caring for a bonsai tree is something similar yet completely different than taking care of house plants, garden plants, vegetables, or edible flowers.
Not only do bonsai need specialized tools and care, they will require food and water (Revised).
Bonsai trees are pretty tough little plants but they can really only last approximately three weeks without water or moisture. After three weeks you will see signs of struggle and lack of resources.
You will notice that it has suffered some damages rough (Revised) the process if it has gone through this length without appropriate care.
In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know to keep your bonsai hydrated.
How Often Should I Water My Bonsai?
When it comes to watering a bonsai, it can be challenging to stay on a schedule. The reason is that bonsai trees often dry out much more quickly than many other houseplants, so while their watering schedule may be a little more sporadic, it will still require close observation of several variables that affect how often you will need to give the tree water.
This may include, but is not limited to, light level, temperature, soil type, and even the time of year. Each individual bonsai has its own needs, so it’s important to learn your tree when it comes in so you can develop the best watering schedule.
One thing the owner should avoid, however, is watering their tree when it is the hottest during the day.
The reason is that if the bonsai is in full sun, the water can burn leaves once the heat and the sunlight reaches the water on the leaves. This is why it is encouraged to water the bonsai in the evening time when it is cooler.
Signs That A Bonsai Needs Water
It’s very important that you don’t let your bonsai dry out. It’s actually okay if the soil is a little dry before you water it again, but you never want to let your tree be without water for extended periods of time.
In general, you should water your bonsai any time the top layer of the soil is dry.
But again, getting to know your tree will help you understand it better.
And if you can’t tell by looking at the soil, then the bonsai’s leaves are the second key indicator of whether the tree needs watering or not.
If they looked as though they were dropping, then that’s a clear sign, and even more of an indication of your plant is if it’s much more brittle than normal or even fragile.
Is It Possible To Save An Unwatered Bonsai?
Every bonsai enthusiast is human, and no matter how good intentions are, we will sometimes make mistakes.
If you have noticed that your bonsai is looking a little worse for wear, you may be questioning if there is something you can do.
The good news is, do not consider throwing your bonsai away yet! You can try a watering technique called immersion watering, which can possibly revive your thirsty bonsai tree.
Note that while this is not a recommended technique, it is valuable in emergencies.
You will need to find a already large container for the bonsai to sit comfortably inside. You can go through this step while the bonsai is still in the pot, but most people who are successful say take the bonsai out of its pot is usually better.
You want to fill the container half way to the trunk of the bonsai/gardenia.
Observe closely because what you will notice is bubbles will begin to rise to the surface of the water. You want to leave the bonsai under water until the bubbles stop.
This will indicate that there is no air in the bonsai or soil, and both are now completely submerged in water. Then you can place or re-pot the bonsai and hope this wacky method was enough to revive the dying bonsai.
What If I’m Not Around To Water My Bonsai?
Taking care of a bonsai tree is similar to taking care of an animal. So if you’re going away, whether it be for vacation or work, you’re going to have to make sure your tree will be adequately tended to.
Typically, you wouldn’t leave your dog at home without someone stopping by to care for it, and you don’t want to do that with your bonsai, either.
If you can, the easiest way to care for your bonsai while you’re away, is to ask a friend or neighbor to stop over and take care of it for you. But if that is not an option, don’t worry, there is another way.
A slow drip can provide your bonsai with a consistent supply of water, and is a good alternative if you’re going to be gone for a lengthy time.
However, it may also compact the soil, which you may find is a problem you will face upon your return.
In general, a slow drip is able to last for a few weeks and will be much more convenient to have rather than relying on someone else.
Still, nothing is better than having a friend to help! In addition to caring for your tree, your friend can keep you up to date on anything that may be important.
Conclusion
Your Bonsai needs constant attention and one thing you’d want to avoid is drying the plant out. If they do they become brittle and eventually die.
One of the things you need top of your list is checking and watering your plant once a week and make sure that it never goes longer than three weeks without water.
This is extreme and after three weeks of no water you will be dealing with serious health issues.