Page 41 - Tài liệu cây cảnh Bonsai4me Bonsai Basics

The correct time to water is when the top centimetre of the compost has

started to dry out. With regular observation of your trees on a daily basis, you
should be able to apply water when it is actually required. Allowing the compost
to dry a little between each watering will ensure that they are not overwatered.
Different trees have different water requirements, try to water individual
trees in a collection as they require it rather than en masse.
Fitting Your Watering Schedule Around Work Hours
In the real world, many of us are away from home during the day and are not
able to check or water our trees. To allow the tree to go without water for any
length of time is disastrous and should be avoided at all costs. Get to know your
trees; know which ones are likely to dry out during the day while you are away.
Know which trees will dry out if the weather is forecast to be hot or windy. If

there is a risk that a tree may dry out during the course of the day; water in the
morning before you leave home. (Despite what you may read) there is no reason
to base your watering regime in the evening; try making your main watering
time in the morning so that your bonsai are well-watered before the heat of the
day, and then only water those that require it, in the evening.
The Effect of Soil on Watering Practices
The soil that your trees grow in has much influence on how frequently water
is required and on how diligently you must water correctly. Organic soils

containing peat or 'soil' are those that are most likely to cause problems
associated with overwatering; the soil is likely to be retain too much water.
Conversely it can be much more difficult to water thoroughly as water will tend
to run off the dry surface leaving the interior of the rootball still dry after
watering. Inorganic soils containing akadama, turface, seramis, grit etc are water
retentive enough to keep the soil moist for the duration of a hot Summers day
and also make the overwatering difficult. In other words, if an inorganic soil is
used, the risk of overwatering is greatly reduced.
How Should I Water?
If you allow the compost to dry a little between watering you will avoid the
effects of overwatering. When the tree does require water though, it needs a

thorough soaking. Avoiding overwatering does not mean just 'moistening' the
bonsai soil instead of watering it properly. Each time you water, it is important
that the entire rootsystem and body of compost is properly wetted to avoid
pockets of dry soil where roots could be left to dry out and die.
The Japanese have an adage for watering; 'For bonsai, it rains two times'.
Water should be applied twice; the first watering wets the soil so that any dry
soil particles will accept moisture better as they tend to shun water at first. Water