WATER AND SUNLIGHT

WATERING

All trees should be checked at least daily. They will need more frequent watering if:

1. The soil drains very well and therefore holds less water;
2. The pot is small;
3. The tree is rootbound;
4. The plant uses a lot of water because of large leaves or stomata that transpire heavily, or because it is in the sun or wind.

The soil should be watered when the top layer is getting dry just under the surface. Until you are familiar with your plants, you may have to scratch through the top layer with your finger to see if the soil is moist underneath. Often, even if the surface appears dry, the pot will have plenty of water, especially if it is large or the soil is heavy. First wet the surface so it will take water; then go back and water thoroughly. Water until it starts coming out through the drainage holes. As long as the soil drains well, it is hard to over water. Excess watering will wash out the fertilizer faster, however. For most trees, you should spray the foliage on top and underneath in addition to watering the soil. This will unclog the stomata and discourage some pests. One easy way to water with a hose is to attach a bonsai nozzle (e.g. Masakuni, from bonsai vendors) to a brass shut-off valve or a plastic sprayer pistol to turn the water on and off. Water in the morning or early evening if you can. Do not water leaves in the hot sun because they might burn; and do not water leaves late at night because they may not dry out and this will encourage rot. Drip irrigation may be used, but hand watering encourages you to inspect each tree every day.

SUNLIGHT

It is best to place the bonsai so they get at least morning sun. Most evergreens, especially pines, need as many hours of direct sun as possible (in our climate.) Most other plants do well with morning sun through mid-afternoon. Some trees prefer light shade most of the day. These are thin leaf plants such as maples and plants that usually grow on the forest floor such as azaleas. Trees that get a lot of sun will actually produce more compact growth with shorter internodes and smaller foliage. If the plant is not getting enough sun, it will reach for it with longer internodes and gangly growth. It will also produce larger leaves to increase its sun exposure. Therefore, a balance should be reached so the plant gets enough sun for good bonsai proportions without burning the leaves. Rotate the plants frequently (1/4 turn once a week) so each side gets the same amount of sun. Also make sure the trees are not so close together that they shade each other.