Page 76 - Tài liệu Ebook cây cảnh Bonsai Basics

78 CARING FOR YOUR BONSAI

I. This multiple planting has reached a critical 2. Abundant watering is caUed for. As soon as the
stage of dehydration. soil has absorbed the moisture, water again.

As well as a watering can, you will Too much water can also be detrimen-
need a sprayer, preferably a pressure tal to the tree. For outdoor bonsai the
sprayer, for misting over the leaves dur- heavy autumn and spring rains can be
ing warm weather. However, a sprinkler just as damaging as the hot summer sun.
device will do this for you automatically. To stop the soil becoming waterlogged,
It is impossible to say exactly how we recommend placing a sloping shelter,
often bonsai should be watered, since such as a sheet of clear plastic or poly-
each species has different requirements thene, over the trees, or angling the trays
and climatic conditions may also vary. slightly, so that excess water runs away
As a general rule of thumb, water often on its own.
t
and sparingly, rather than occasionally If he tray is left on a slant, watch that
and generously. The compost should be this does not result in the tree growing
moist but not waterlogged. Any reten- out of shape. Apart from water-loving
tion of water may set up root rot. trees such as wisteria and willow, do not
It is important to realize that bonsai stand the container in a tray or saucer, as
require most water when growing most this could stop water draining away and
vigorously and in hot weather, and that cause root rot.
less water is required in the weeks follow- Watering indoor bonsai poses fewer
ing root pruning, and clipping of shoots problems, since the indoor climate re-
and leaves. This is because the reduced mains more or less stable. Water them at
root system draws in less water and less is least once or twice a week, depending on
evaporated from the leaves. the size of the pot (the smaller it is, the
In general terms, trees should be more often you will have to water it).
watered about once a week in winter, The leaves should be misted over with
although this will depend on the overall water frequently as the atmosphere can
humidity, and several times a day in be very dry indoors. Central heating
midsummer. If the root ball dries right aggravates the problem still further, and
out, the tray should immediately be you will find it necessary to spray even
immersed in a basin of water. If you have more frequently, especially in spring,
to do this, be careful that the tree does when the growing season starts and
not become uprooted. You should also often the heating is still on.
damp over the foliage. It is especially A practical precaution which is almost
important to look at the tree on a daily a necessity, is to place humidifiers on
basis as the spring - and hence warmer your radiators. This will prevent the air
weather - approaches. becoming too dry.