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A beginner's guide to Watering |
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American Bonsai Society
A beginner’s guide to watering
By Randy Davis
Watering is probably one of the most important jobs for the bonsai enthusiast and something that takes time and effort to learn to do well. While it sounds rather simple to do, in reality, it is far more complex than just spraying water into the container. There are at least five major concerns with watering; 1) Water quality and composition, 2) Environmental considerations, 3) Needs of specific genus and species of trees, 4) Container size and shape, and length of time between repottings and 5) Soil composition.
Water quality and composition – Except in areas of bad acid rain, the best water that you can give your bonsai is rainwater. If you have only a few bonsai, taking the time to collect and store a supply of rainwater will make a noticeable difference in your trees. Simply making a collection system from the gutters of your house should be adequate for most needs as long as nature provides you with a regular supply. Water from a well or cistern is the second best supply but it’s a good idea to have the water tested before using it. If on the other hand, collected rainwater only lasts a while, you are forced to use tap water for the bulk of your needs. Most areas of the country are supplied with municipal tap water that contains chemical additives that can be detrimental to your trees, especially chlorine. When using tap water, we advise that you have two non-metallic, open containers large enough to last for three days of watering that you can fill up alternately with tap water. By letting the water sit for three days, the chlorine will dissipate into the air. When you are filling these containers, let the water splash and oxygenate as the container is filling as this action also helps dissipate the chlorine. For those of you that are amateur chemists, your water should be neutral or even better, slightly acid in pH. Depending on your location and where your water comes from, it could and often does contain some dissolved mineral salts. These salts are the things that build up the white residue on containers that we’re always trying to eliminate. Slightly acidic water will help reduce or at least minimize that problem. Most water companies will supply a free water analysis to their customers once a year. Take advantage of that just to find out what your water really has in it. Remember, “knowledge is power”.
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A beginner's guide to Soil |
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American Bonsai Society
A beginner’s guide to bonsai soil
By Randy Davis
First of all it is important to understand natural environments of your plants -- that is the kind of locales they prefer and the typical soil found there. That information is necessary before you can formulate your bonsai soil. Most starter trees come in nursery containers with “commercial soil,” which is adequate only for short-term growing. A tree destined to become a bonsai and live in a container for an extended time needs special soil. To enhance your partnership with your chosen tree, you need some understanding of its natural habitat. Knowing if your tree originally comes from a high-mountain area; an arid desert-like area; an open meadowland; or a tropical area does make a difference. Another important factor is your local climate and habitat. Understanding what the tree likes and what your environment provides will help guide your choices for soil formulation. A further consideration is your tree’s stage of training. Is it in long-term training, requiring it to grow freely; a sort-term development stage; or just being repotted on its normal cycle? This is important.
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Tools for the New Bonsai Student |
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American Bonsai Society
Tools for the New Bonsai Student
By Randy Davis
The tools used for creating living art are many. They range from gardening hand shears to specialized bonsai tools. You will find that the longer you are involved with bonsai the more you will accumulate specialized tools. If you are like me, and sometimes don’t have the correct tool for the task at hand, a makeshift tool will often suffice until you find the correct tool for the job. The quality and cost of bonsai tools will range from very expensive, which will last a lifetime, to cheap worthless ones not worth having at all. Every person has an opinion on tool quality, cost and usefulness but, in the end, it is personal preference and the quality of performance that count. Stainless steel tools are expensive, hold a sharp edge longer, are less subject to rust buildup but are more difficult to sharpen. Good quality steel tools are less expensive, need sharpening more often, are easier to sharpen and will require oiling to keep them from rusting. In the end, it is your budget and preference that matters. Personally, I have used good quality steel tools, some of which I’ve had for 40 years, and been very satisfied with their results. Beyond the tools, you will need supplies in the form of wire, grinding stones, cut paste or other wound sealer, and a tool pouch or storage container at a minimum.
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