EspritBonsaï ‘ 58 ’ - 33My tree has dried out!
When a tree dries out, the roots need to be
rehydrated, but so does the tree itself, by
moistening the foliage. It is also possible to
put it completely in soak.
Remove dry leaves and place the tree in the
shade for it to convalesce.
The roots will not absorb as much water
as before, so don’t over-water: the root ball
needs to go dry before being watered again.3 Increase humidity levels
In hot, dry weather, the primary solution for
increasing humidity levels is by watering copious-
ly around bonsai, on the soil and the shelves, to
create a more temperate microclimate.
It is also possible to install some carpet or felt etc.
underneath the pots. This will become waterlogged
when you are watering your trees, and some of the
water will be redistributed through capillary action.
Most of the water will evaporate and thus reduce
the temperature around the bonsai, preventing the
leaves from being scorched or drying out.
With their pots
grouped close
together, these
kusamono make
shade for each other
and can cope better
with the heat.A simple structure of wire mesh over wood, like a
carport or pergola, can serve to install a shading
cloth to protect trees at the hottest times of day.
During a heatwave, this tree has
not been able to handle a few
hours in broad sunlight, and all
of its leaves have dried out.Closely inspect
your trees to
detect any disease
or parasites. Here,
a Japanese maple
is starting to be
invaded by aphids.Take advantage of
the summer break to
give your trees some
care and attention:
clean the pots, do
some weeding, etc.7 Inspecting and cleaning
There is not much work to be done on trees
during this period. You can therefore take advan-
tage of the time to keep a close eye on them and
detect the slightest problem: fungal attack, dis-
ease, parasites. All it takes is to inspect your bonsai
thoroughly.
You can also grasp the opportunity to clean the
pots and do some weeding on the soil’s surface.
As it’s holiday time, and the days are longer,
make the most of this chance to rest and admire
your bonsai. It’s time to relax!
From mid- to late August (depending on the
region), you can start to apply organic fertiliser
again. Trees will begin to grow again and you can
start work to prepare for the second growth period
and the following season. �4 Put trees in shade
To complement the increased watering, you
can move your most sensitive or smallest trees
to a new position, to protect them from the sun.
A spot in semi-shade or with direct sunlight in the
morning works very well.
For a large collection of bonsai, it is advisable to
use a 50% shade cloth, either fixed in place for the
summer or else set up on taut rustproof wires so
that you can remove and re-install it easily.
5 Protect surface roots
Putting a damp floorcloth on the pot up to the
trunk allows greater humidity to be retained at the
surface and offers protection from sunburn to
broadly spread-out nebari such as that of maples.
6 Take special care of
the smallest trees
In summer, you need to pay special attention
to your smallest trees and to species that are
particularly sensitive to a lack of water. Trees with
extensive ramification and lots of leaves tend to
perspire a lot more and therefore need more care
and attention.