Anxious fall watering

[Mississippi]

I started my Bonsai journey in June. Living in Mississippi I thought that the heat of summer would be the toughest test starting out. Turns out summer was pretty easy- just water, water and more water. Well now that temps are a little milder I’m trying to water when needed not on a schedule. Got some rain over the weekend and watered on Tuesday morning. Now it’s Thursday afternoon and my trees are still pretty moist and it’s driving me crazy not to water them! It’s causing anxiety ! But I know it’s the right move. Anybody else have trouble or doubts about watering during the transition from summer to fall to winter?

 

[rockm]

I started my Bonsai journey in June. Living in Mississippi I thought that the heat of summer would be the toughest test starting out. Turns out summer was pretty easy- just water, water and more water. Well now that temps are a little milder I’m trying to water when needed not on a schedule. Got some rain over the weekend and watered on Tuesday morning. Now it’s Thursday afternoon and my trees are still pretty moist and it’s driving me crazy not to water them! It’s causing anxiety ! But I know it’s the right move. Anybody else have trouble or doubts about watering during the transition from summer to fall to winter?

Yep. Every year each tree begins to use less and less water, as transpiration from leaves decreases and leaves fall. It's not easy keeping up with individual trees' requirements, as each is different and in different stages of slowing down. I typically go by soil color and by lifting each pot by the corner. Lighter soil and lighter pot mean the tree needs water. Rain complicates the process. This is one of the reasons that learning to water is the most difficult task in bonsai.

 

[Colorado]

Yep. Every year each tree begins to use less and less water, as transpiration from leaves decreases and leaves fall. It's not easy keeping up with individual trees' requirements, as each is different and in different stages of slowing down. I typically go by soil color and by lifting each pot by the corner. Lighter soil and lighter pot mean needs the tree needs water. Rain complicates the process. This is one of the reasons that learning to water is the most difficult task in bonsai.

Well said. Personally I enjoy the changing of the seasons and consequential watering adjustments. I feel very “in tune” and connected with the trees at this time of year.

 

[ShadyStump]

I've been struggling with the crazy shifts in humidity we see in this are this time of year. There's a huge difference in water consumption between 70F and 65F, more than between 80F and 95F. I actually water MORE at temps in the 60sF. In the 70sF it seems humidity is more stable, but in the 60sF a breeze will pull the moisture right out of the tree and pot.
Having similar problems adjusting my watering for my tropicals inside.

I think I was happier before I got a hygrometer. I couldn't over think it if I wanted to.
I need to make like @Colorado and become one with the wood.