watergifteWhy Do Plants Need Water?

  • Metabolism and Photosynthesis: Water is essential for metabolism and photosynthesis, crucial for plant growth.
  • Nutrient Transport: Water transports nutrients to all parts of the plant.
  • Regulating Overheating: Plants transpire water through their leaves to prevent overheating.
  • Cleaning: Water cleans the upper parts of the plant by removing dust.

Quality of Water for Watering

  • pH Value: The ideal pH value for watering is between 6 and 7.5. Neutral water has a pH of 7.
  • Salt Content: Good watering water is low in salt.

Water Sources:

  • Tap Water: Let it stand for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate and reduce hardness.
  • Spring Water: Check for harmful salts before using.
  • Pond Water: Regularly check pH and salt content.
  • Rainwater: Slightly acidic and low in salt, ideal for watering.

Plant-Specific Water Needs

  • High Lime Water (pH around 7.5): Suitable for Taxus baccata, Cornus, Juniperus Sabina, Prunus, English oak.
  • Lime-Free Water (pH 4.5 - 5.5): Suitable for Azalea, Camelia, Rhododendron, Juniperus Chinensis, Picea, Larix.
  • Salt-Sensitive Species: Hornbeam, hawthorn, Fagus Crenata, Picea, Taxus baccata.

When to Water?

  • Morning: Water in the morning so the plant can absorb it before the heat arrives.
  • Evening: Watering is possible, but do it a few hours before sunset to avoid mold formation.
  • Midday: Avoid watering over the foliage of deciduous trees to prevent burning; conifers can be sprayed more often.

Watering Tips

  • Vacation: Ask an experienced bonsai enthusiast to take care of the watering.
  • Obstacles: Do not hide trees behind bushes or other obstacles.
  • Rainfall: Adjust watering but be aware that rainwater doesn't always reach the soil surface due to the foliage acting as an umbrella.
  • Autumn: Reduce watering as trees lose their leaves and evaporate less.
  • Winter Storage: Further reduce watering but keep roots sufficiently moist. Use snow as an insulating layer on frozen root clumps.

Factors Influencing Watering:

  • Tree Species: From Acer to Pinus.
  • Origin of the Species: Natural habitat conditions.
  • Growth Phase: Including leaf mass.
  • Garden Layout: Presence of shade trees, water features, garden walls, bonsai benches, etc.
  • Tree Placement: On wooden or stone surfaces.
  • Climate Conditions: Varying temperatures and humidity.
  • Seasons: Seasonal changes affecting water needs.
  • Soil Mix Composition: Different structures and materials.
  • Pot Size and Depth: Influences water retention.
  • Pot Color: Dark pots get warmer and affect moisture levels.

Summer Watering Tips:

  • Water Early: Water early in the morning before the heat.
  • Thorough Watering: Overwatering for a few days can be beneficial in extreme heat.
  • Dry Leaf Tips: Indicate too little water.
  • Burned Leaf Centers: Indicate sunburn.
  • Yellow Tips in Juniperus/Pinus: Indicate root problems, consider repotting.
  • Surroundings: Water the garden to create a humid environment.
  • Shohin Trees: Use a tray with pebbles and water to create a microclimate.
  • Cooling Pots: Use water and wet cloths to cool pots.
  • Shade Trees: Plant trees like linden for natural shade, or use shade nets.

Autumn and Winter Watering Tips:

  • Greenhouse Care: Pay attention to soil moisture as days lengthen and temperatures rise from January.
  • Evergreens: Monitor juniperus and pinus for continued growth and potential dryness in winter storage.