Watering in fall

[Cadillactaste]

Did it die from root rot or what exactly? What was it? Very cool looking...Looks like a succulent. They don't like wet feet.

Yes, root rot. Fortunately I did send a lignified section to a friend in Florida. That still is thriving.

 

[Scrogdor]

A gift from clients...and I killed it. Made me sick. I had put pebbles under it to raise it more. But the weight of the pot sunk into the pebbles. I now only use grid boot trays...or keep upturned pots under my trees. I don't trust rocks under a pot to not shift.

Fish aquarium siphon hose are cheap...and great for that draining a tray.

That's the same exact cactus that I killed. I had it for a couple years, took it out of the plastic nursery pot it was in and put it in a ceramic one with a drip tray. It died in a couple months. That's also a good point about rocks, I'll look into those. What ever I get has to look okay, my partner is big on the way our apartment looks. She's mostly conceded the balcony to my domain within reason.

 

[_#1_]

Can also try this:

Before you water, lift the tree and pot up with both hands. Even better if you have a scale to weigh that sucker. After a good watering, lift it up again and/or weigh it.

The difference in weight is undeniable. You'll soon learn when the tree need water.

 

[Scrogdor]

Can also try this:

Before you water, lift the tree and pot up with both hands. Even better if you have a scale to weigh that sucker. After a good watering, lift it up again and/or weigh it.

The difference in weight is undeniable. You'll soon learn when the tree need water.

That brings me to my question, if a tree is properly rooted, is moving them going to stress them out? Or is that something that really only applies to sick/ newly potted, or newly collected trees. I was just bringing my tiny trees inside and watering them in the sink for a bit with a filter over the drain, but I stopped because I was afraid I was stressing them out by moving them all the time.

 

[Paradox]

That brings me to my question, if a tree is properly rooted, is moving them going to stress them out? Or is that something that really only applies to sick/ newly potted, or newly collected trees. I was just bringing my tiny trees inside and watering them in the sink for a bit with a filter over the drain, but I stopped because I was afraid I was stressing them out by moving them all the time.

If the trees are wired firmly into the pot moving them shouldnt be a problem but as you mention, getting soil down your sink might not be so great for the drain. Why not invest in a small watering can to water your trees? Ive also used a 1 gallon pesticide sprayer to water mine in my basement during the winter

 

[sorce]

I wouldn't use the amount of water sitting in the tray as any kind of indicator as what the tree needs or is using.

I'd use that water to put back in the tree the next day.

Just water more, and when you think it might be too much, water more.

Sorce

 

[A. Gorilla]

Can also try this:

Before you water, lift the tree and pot up with both hands. Even better if you have a scale to weigh that sucker. After a good watering, lift it up again and/or weigh it.

The difference in weight is undeniable. You'll soon learn when the tree need water.

A scale? I did not think it possible, but thats an even bigger hassle than the chopstick water-o-meter.

 

[_#1_]

A scale? I did not think it possible, but thats an even bigger hassle than the chopstick water-o-meter.

Indeed, first couple times.

Then your arms becomes the scale lol

Don't particle size matters also when it comes to water retention?

 

[Eckhoffw]

How about just ditching the tray and continue to water often? You will not overwater with your soil mix

 

[A. Gorilla]

Indeed, first couple times.

Then your arms becomes the scale lol

Don't particle size matters also when it comes to water retention?

Do you lift, bro?

 

[_#1_]

Used to, every day!

Then I said F it, everything gets watered twice a day in summer. Then once a day during fall.

Well everything in bonsai soil anyways

 

[BeepBeepBonsaiSheep]

Used to, every day!

Then I said F it, everything gets watered twice a day in summer. Then once a day during fall.

Well everything in bonsai soil anyways

That’s been my thinking! If it’s really hot, I’ll do a third watering, but more like a rain shower to cool things off