Caring for your Bonsai During the Holidays

Vacations are the perfect time to relax and unwind, but they can also become a worry if you have bonsai trees at home. These small trees require constant attention, and leaving them uncared for can be detrimental. In this article, we offer you tips and strategies to ensure your bonsai trees stay healthy while you enjoy your vacation.

Preparation Before the Vacation

Before leaving on vacation, it is crucial to prepare your bonsai properly to minimize any risk. Here we explain the essential steps to follow:

Proper Irrigation

Irrigation is one of the most critical aspects of bonsai care. Improper watering can cause the death of the tree. Here we leave you some tips:

• Deep Irrigation: Water your bonsai deeply a few days before leaving to ensure that the substrate is well hydrated.
• Automatic Irrigation Systems: Consider installing an automatic irrigation system if you will be gone for an extended period of time. Arpersion systems are ideal for maintaining a constant level of humidity.

Alternative Irrigation Techniques

• Capillaries: Use cotton wicks that absorb water from a nearby container and bring it to the bonsai.
• Irrigation Gel: This product releases water gradually and is perfect for maintaining moisture. It is recommended to test them before using to check if it is enough to keep our bonsais well hydrated.

Location and Protection

The location of your bonsai during your absence is essential for its well-being:

• Partial Shade: Place the bonsai in an area where they receive partial shade, avoiding direct exposure to the sun, which can dry out the substrate quickly.
• Wind Protection: Make sure your bonsais are protected from the wind to avoid dehydration.

Third Party Assistance

If you can't install an automatic irrigation system, consider asking for help:

Family and Friends

Ask a friend or family member to take care of your bonsai trees. Provide them with detailed instructions on watering and care.

Care instructions

• Irrigation Frequency: Indicates how many times a week the bonsai should be watered.
• Water amount: Specifies the amount of water needed.

Plant Care Services

Some cities offer specialized plant care services. Hiring a professional can be an excellent option to ensure proper maintenance.

What to do when you return

Upon returning from your vacation, it is essential to check the condition of your bonsai and take corrective measures if necessary:

Detailed Inspection

• Leaf and Branch Review: Look for signs of dehydration, sunburn, or pests.
• Substratum: Make sure the substrate is not completely dry or too wet.

Irrigation Adjustments

• Rehydration: If the substrate is dry, carry out deep and gradual watering to rehydrate the bonsai without causing shock.
• Sewer system: Make sure the substrate adequately drains excess water.

Frequent questions

How long can a bonsai stay without water?

It depends on the type of bonsai and the environmental conditions. In general, a bonsai should not be without water for more than a day during the hottest season, but this will depend on the climatic situation, sun exposure, substrate and species of tree.

What to do if the bonsai seems dry when you return?

Water deeply and inspect the substrate and roots.

Is it advisable to leave bonsai indoors during the holidays?

It is not recommended, except for certain tropical species such as ficus, which we can leave in a room that maintains humidity, such as the bathroom, as long as it has good lighting. It is best to leave them in a protected outdoor location with automatic watering.

Conclusion

Caring for your bonsai during the holidays doesn't have to be a stressful task. With proper preparation and implementing irrigation systems or the help of friends, you can ensure that your bonsai trees stay healthy and beautiful while you enjoy your break.