Watering Question

[Deci22]

So, let's say my trees are already very thirsty and I'm watering 1-2 times a day depending on heat of the day and how the soil feels ( my acer rubrum is a thirsty bastard, lol) if I water like hell tomorrow morning, could they go a day without watering without too many consequences?
Long story short, I passed out twice, hit my head both times 2 weeks ago. Turns out I'm getting a pacemaker tomorrow, pretty sure I'm probably not going to feel up to watering tomorrow to be honest. So just hoping I don't do too much harm, I pray it's a cooler cloudy day tomorrow, but if not will they be ok?

 

[Rodrigo]

First for all, I'm sorry to hear that you passed out twice! I hope everything goes well with your surgery!

As far as the trees, I would just move them somewhere where they won't be in direct sunlight. That should prevent them from drying out too much. If you feel like they'll still need water, you can wrap the pots in a wet towel to keep them extra moist.

Best of luck!

 

[nuttiest]

I am only watering every other day even ones in bonsai soil ok with that. A few are droopy leaved by day two so get watered first then again. I was watering only every 3 days ntil a week ago until I saw somone in another state with wisteria blooms already so I pumped up the water volume and frequency. Wisteria in ground are waking.

 

[Carol 83]

Worry about yourself first! Hope the surgery goes well and you are feeling better.

 

[eugenev2]

So, let's say my trees are already very thirsty and I'm watering 1-2 times a day depending on heat of the day and how the soil feels ( my acer rubrum is a thirsty bastard, lol) if I water like hell tomorrow morning, could they go a day without watering without too many consequences?
Long story short, I passed out twice, hit my head both times 2 weeks ago. Turns out I'm getting a pacemaker tomorrow, pretty sure I'm probably not going to feel up to watering tomorrow to be honest. So just hoping I don't do too much harm, I pray it's a cooler cloudy day tomorrow, but if not will they be ok?

You can also attempt sticking a piece of cotton rope a few inches down into the pots and place the other end in a drum of water for water wicking, not sure how effective it really is but i tried it once and it seemed to work well enough for a short period of time.

 

[Paradox]

A lawn sprinkler and a timer is an inexpensive way to make sure your trees get watered every day or every other day. The right kind of timer can give you that option and runs on batteries.

Hope you recover quickly and feel better.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Put trees in container of H2O in shade. Will be OK for a couple days with wet feet.

 

[Shibui]

I am very surprised that trees need so much water so early in spring, even in super sunny Florida. maybe there's some other underlying problem that has not been addressed? - Poor watering practice that does not fully hydrate the pot, rot bound, potting soil not suitable for the climate, etc??? That still won't solve the problem quickly though.

For short term trees can be overwatered if necessary. Root rot takes many weeks to get started and take hold so sitting the pots in a tub for a week or so should cause no lasting damage. Extra watering with a sprinkler ditto. Extra shade can help reduce water needs and wont harm the trees for just a few weeks. Pruning off long, tall new shoots reduces water needs a lot so, depending on the stage of development, a good hedge trim might help.
Praying for a cool, cloudy day is probably the least effective method for dealing with this situation.
Good luck with the surgery and the new pacemaker.

 

[Tieball]

During my hot and dry weeks I’ve covered substrate with broken pieces of inexpensive terra cotta pots broken into curved sheets after watering. The shading and containment helped keep the substrate from drying quickly and also let in surface oxygen and watering when needed. The curves of the covers seem to promote less evaporation. I also have a bucket where I keep old broken pieces. I try to keep the pieces larger in size. It doesn’t always look attractive but it has worked for me. With the substrate covered I leave the trees in the regular full sunlight. However, it’s fair to point out, my climate is probably quite different than yours, and my substrate mix is what I created for my conditions.

 

[JudyB]

Get some inexpensive plastic plant trays with no drainage holes, place the trees in them and put water in the trays, that should hold them till you are back on your feet! Best wishes for a quick recovery.

 

[dbonsaiw]

If we took care of ourselves half as well as we care for our bonsai..... Good luck with the surgery and speedy recovery.

Would adding a layer of sphagnum moss to the top help with keeping the pot moist?

 

[Deci22]

I may be able to hit them a bit later, already home.

 

[Tieball]

I may be able to hit them a bit later, already home.

That was mighty fast!

 

[Carol 83]

Hope everything went well.

 

[BeepBeepBonsaiSheep]

I may be able to hit them a bit later, already home.

Don’t overdo it! You come first. If someone is helping you at home, have them “drown” everything

 

[Deci22]

That was mighty fast!

Yes, out patient. 730am, out by 2pm. Sore as all heck tho.

 

[Deci22]

Hope everything went well.

Yes it did! Thank you, I slept most of the day, I'm actually going to try to water them tomorrow morning.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Hope all went well !

cheers
DS sends