Watering Bonsai In Winter
Caring for your bonsai bonsai in winter series.
Watering bonsai in winter. Err on the side of less water in winter. In fact it is the water in the soil that is frozen not the soil and importantly nor the roots of the bonsai itself. When we see the soil in our bonsai pots is frozen in winter it is easy to think likewise that the tree itself is frozen. With my regular plant in pots i just make sure they are damp before the freeze comes then leave them alone for the winter.
Trees left outside can be over watered by. Also check your trees for insects and infections regularly. Micro climates are different and sometimes watering is necessary basically in winter trees need a lot less water than in other seasons. A beautiful japanese zelkova bonsai tree in winter the ramification is incredible.
Wind protection is very important. Trees with frozen soil don t need to be watered. Insects are a particular problem where i live because it doesn t get cold enough to discourage pests like pine needle scale. Bonsai plants in a windy spot are in danger of dehydration.
When overwintering keep a close eye on your trees. If i don t water trees selectively over or under watering can stress trees and facilitate fungus growth or infestations problems that are hard to address in winter for trees that are semi dormant. The following general guidelines will help you to get bonsai watering right. Never water on a routine keep observing your trees individually instead of watering them on a daily.
Watering doesn t start up until the soil has thawed usually in march or so. Water your trees when the soil gets slightly dry this means you should not water your tree when the soil is still wet. Winter water consumption is very low but the bonsai tree s roots still need damp not drenched soil. If the roots of the bonsai were to freeze it would be fatal.
The trees don t need much water when in dormancy so be careful not to water too often. Because the wind can dry out you plants especially your evergreens be sure to check the water weekly and water deeply before a cold spell. Stainless steel watering can bonsai indoor plants water pot with long spout plant long mouth sprinkling pot garden tool check here. Water only when the soil dries out.