There are a lot of variable factors when it comes to knowing how much to water your bonsai. And this will vary depending on the age of the tree, type of tree and size of the pot! But here are some rules of thumb that will help.

First: You should find specific instructions for your type of tree. There are variations depending on tree.

Typically: Push your finger a little ways into the soil to check if it is moist. If it is dry then you definitely have to water. If it is moist you are probably ok. It is usually ok to err on the side of watering. With trees that are older than three or four years old it is pretty common to water them every day and during the hot summer months it is not uncommon to water them twice a day (if they are an outdoor bonsai). This frequent watering is necessary because in the pot there is a lot of root ball and not much soil, along with not a whole lot of root network . So not much water is held in the soil and the tree doesn't have a whole lot of capacity to absorb it.

Often a bonsai is watered by totally soaking it from above so water wets the soil completely and runs right out the drainage holes. Conversely they are often watered by placing the whole pot right in two or three inches of water and allowing the water to soak up through the drainage holes and soak the soil.

Indoor Bonsai for Beginners: Selection Care Training Creating beautiful, healthy bonsai is a wonderful skill that anyone can learn, with a little time, patience, and this all-inclusive manual. With color photos and drawings to illustrate the points, it introduces all the cultivation techniques; offers expert advice on location, soil types, watering, and pest control; and provides intricate instruction on training the bonsai--including pruning, wiring and stretching it. An A-to-Z guide of all the popular species showcases varieties that range from a flowering Camellia Japonica , with its beautiful smooth stem, to an easy-to-care for Olive tree. Each entry gives some background on the plant, and includes suggestions for acquiring the bonsai and directions on how to position it in the room for best results.

Do you like making projects and exploring a variety of hobbies?

Sign up for my free newsletter. I give you regular updates on hobbies and projects you can make. it is totally free and I don't share your email with anybody.