Push a fingertip into the bonsai soil to check for moisture beneath. The top surface of the soil can be misleading, so test the conditions at a depth of 1/2 to one inch.
Another trick is to press a length of chopstick into the bonsai soil and leave it in place. Check the chopstick daily and it will behave as a moisture sensing "dipstick" that will indicate when to water. If the stick is moist, the plant has water.

The chopstick idea sound pretty good, I bought an electronic moisture detector and it was useless, one of my plants actually died due to lack of water. The reason was the detector was saying there was plently of water and I was just a bit dosy and didn't see the signs.

I will definitely try the chopstick idea, cheap but seems effective.

if i see that it looks dry i water, ive one for a long time and it hasnt died yet and its had plenty of days where it hast had water and its been dry etc still alive ;)

Sounds interesting. I'll give it a try. I mainly use the "fingertip method"
:)

One thing you can do is use water absorbing crystals to alleviate the worry of when to water, especially for indoor situations. Also, keep this in mind. A bonsai master once said " Wait until the plant dries out, then water the day before".

I love water absorbing crystals!! Cuts down on the amount of watering, and helps to absorb water more evenly. Just remember a little goes a long way!:D

i use the ''chop stick'' method also and have found it very efective

One thing you can do is use water absorbing crystals to alleviate the worry of when to water, especially for indoor situations. Also, keep this in mind. A bonsai master once said " Wait until the plant dries out, then water the day before".


yes! mine dried out today...good thing I watered it the day before! ;)

Chopsticks for me
-Paul

Third the chopsticks method

Hello,
If you are unsure that you are providing your Bonsai enough water, you can always lift the pot and feel the weight. Amazingly, once you become accustomed to the pots you use, you can generally tell how much moisture is in the soil simply by feel. Considering that the water accounts for about 25% of the overall weight, this is not difficult to do.
Another method is to keep a set of wooden chopsticks on hand. If you think the soil is dry, you can poke the chopsticks down into the soil. If they come out dry, then you need to water your Bonsai. However, if you notice moisture on the chopsticks, then you are still good.
Other factors play into the drying time, such as:
1).Soil Mixture
2). Plant Size
3). Pruning
4). Fertilizer
5). Disease
6). Wind and Temperature
7). Sunlight
8). Humidity and
9). Size of the Pot
Thanks. :)

Hi Everyone : I make my own fast draining soils so it's easy for me to tell by looking at my soil .
I spray every morning now and early evening and water when needed lightly , except some trees need more water like my plumerias .
You need to know each trees needs and each plants needs for water .
I study each tree and plant I grow and I study each seeds before I buy it .
I also have new wire pots I'm testing so no problem with wet feet with my trees or plants . They grow faster with these pots .
If anything I have to water more with some plants , one my jade I'll be making a new soil mix for it , more haydite and more cut pine bark to add air to the soil . I have to do more thinking on this soil mix .

Rosebud5548

Rosebud5548

We just brought 3 trees home over this past weekend and are at a loss of the correct watering times. One tree was a Natal Plum, the Other a Bougainvillea, and the last we were told was a Adinea (Adina) but have been unable to actually find pictures that match this tree online. We're actively trying to identify the third species but no one seems to know what it is in all of the forums we've been posting.

Now we do realize that these 3 trees are tropicals with a little more water requirements. We live in the Pacific Northwest which we've been able to identify as a zone "6" environment. We are going to try the chopstick method (maybe a good reason to go out for dinner tonight? :D) along with morning and evening misting. Is there a specific method of watering we should stick to you that you folks will be able to share with us please?

Thanks.

When I purchased my Bougainvillea, the tag said water often until it is established and then once established allowed the soil to dry slightly. Tropical really just means it will not winter outside below zone 8 or 9.
I live in Utah where summer is hot and dry (finally!) and I water mine about every 3rd day. It is growing well and looking very healthy.
Sorry, the other 2 trees I am not sure about. If I have general plant questions, I type the name into Google and compare the different info there.

I have been trying to find a Plumeria. I am originally from Australia and they grow everywhere in the North. I know them as Frangipani. I would love to get some seeds or cuttings.
Does anyone have any idea where I can get them. I would particularly like the white with the yellow center.

Oh good tip with the chopstick, I'm definitely going to use it now. I mainly used the "poke the soil with your finger" method.

thanks for the info guys I'm definitely going to use this chopstick method from now on :)

Yes! I use that idea with my trees. For my Mame bonsai I use a toothpick and it also works very well.

*blinks* I had no idea the basic orchid bamboo skewer method or pot lifting method would work so well on bonsai. Good to know for the future.

What kind of moisture meter were you using that wasn't working?

"wait until the plant dries out and water the day before." lol, i like that. ;)