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Watering and location are two of the most important factors for maintaining a healthy Bonsai.
Most problems and deaths in Bonsai are related to watering and/or location errors. The quickest and most drastic is thirst, which can cause the plant to die within a few hours. More common is overwatering, usually associated with lack of direct sunlight, which leads to weakening of the plant, the appearance of fungi, and, in the medium term, its death.
Often the plant is watered regularly, but only at the soil surface (insufficient), or with a fixed amount of water that works at a certain time of year and becomes inadequate at another.
How to water
Watering should be done over the soil, using a watering can or shower with fine holes.
Water abundantly until plenty of water comes out through the drainage holes, repeating two or three times to ensure the entire soil ball is evenly moistened.
Only water again when the top layer of soil has dried slightly.
There is no universal watering frequency. Water needs vary depending on the species, time of year, sun exposure, temperature, wind, and soil type.
What not to do
-Regularly spray the leaves
Spraying the leaves does not replace watering and encourages the appearance of fungi and some pests, especially if the leaves remain wet overnight.
-Submerge the pot in water
Watering by immersion should only be used in exceptional situations. When done regularly it reduces soil oxygenation and promotes root rot.
-Keep water in a tray under the pot
Never leave water accumulated in the tray. Besides favoring root rot, it promotes the accumulation of salts and lime in the substrate.
Water quality
Except in extreme situations, tap water is suitable for most Bonsai.
Chlorine usually present in public water is not a significant problem. If you want to eliminate it, just let the water stand for about 24 hours in an open container.
For azaleas and other species more sensitive to lime, it is recommended to avoid regularly wetting the leaves and concentrate watering directly on the soil.
Water quality is important, but the quality of the soil and fertilizers used is equally or even more important. They act as a natural "buffer," helping to neutralize and balance possible excess salts, lime, or other imbalances present in the water.
You should avoid using water from air conditioning filters, aquariums, or wells whose chemical and bacteriological quality is not confirmed.
More important than looking for the perfect water is ensuring correct watering technique.
Observe the soil, observe the plant, and adapt watering to its needs. In watering there are no universal formulas; it is all about sensitivity and observation.