If the soil on the sides of the planter feels dry but the soil near the trunk is damp, don’t water it and check it again in about 8 to 12 hours.
Bonsai trees won’t grow well in regular potting soil because the thick, rich soil holds too much water and may cause root rot.
Reinsert the chopstick into the soil at least 3 inches (7. 6 cm) away from the trunk of the tree so it’s ready to check the next day. Use a clean wooden or bamboo chopstick—this won’t work with ceramic or plastic chopsticks. Don’t stick the chopstick into the soil any deeper than 1 in (2. 5 cm) because doing so might disturb the root system. Some store-bought bonsai trees come with small wooden posts for this very reason.
You can buy a rose-spout watering can or rose attachment at most garden supply stores. You can also attach a rose cap to a garden hose for outdoor bonsai trees. If it’s hot outside and your bonsai is outdoors, make sure to use room temperature water to avoid shocking the root system.
If you’re using a rose attachment on a garden hose, point the cap upwards so the water travels in an arc and lands gently on the bonsai soil.
As an alternative, keep the bonsai in a shaded area during the summer so you don’t have to worry about scorching the leaves.
The water coming out of the bottom of the planter should be clear, not brown or gray. If it’s brown or gray, water it again in 15 to 20 minutes.
If you notice yellowing leaves or shriveling branches, skip the second watering because these are signs of oxygen deprivation due to too much water. If your bonsai tree has crispy leaves, do a third 30-second watering or revive it in a water bath.
This is only necessary if your bonsai shows signs of dehydration like crispy, wilting leaves.
If the bonsai tree is in a light, plastic container, it may float at first. Press and hold it down until it stays in place.
If the soil feels dry and doesn’t leave a depression when you press it down, leave it in the water for another 5 minutes and then check it again.
You can also place the bonsai on a drainage tray if you keep the plant indoors. Just be sure to check on and, if necessary, empty the shallow tray after 15 to 20 minutes so water doesn’t overflow.
