Every Bonsai owner is always looking for ways to improve their watering technique and easier methods to get your plants the hydration that they need. Have you ever thought that you could water Bonsai with ice cubes?
Using ice cubes to water Bonsai is a relatively recent innovation, and it can be an efficient and simple way to get the right amount of water into the soil. You do need to be careful, however, that you are going about it in the right way.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about this fascinating technique so that you can decide whether or not it will be right for your Bonsai.
Is It Okay to Use Ice Cubes to Water Plants?
It might seem like a strange idea, but many plants are very happy to be watered with ice cubes. The idea actually started with Orchids and has since been used with a lot of other plants as well. It’s a convenient way to know exactly how much water you are giving to your plants, and it can make a huge difference in free-draining pots and soil.
Because the ice cubes will melt over time, the water can be slowly absorbed into the soil rather than passing straight through.
There are some instances when it’s not advisable to water with ice cubes. You don’t want the cubes to directly come into contact with the vulnerable roots or stems of the plant, and it can be too much of a shock for cold-sensitive plants, like tropical species.
Is It Okay to Water Bonsai with Ice Cubes?
When it comes to Bonsai, they can be more temperamental than your average plant. You can definitely water most Bonsai with ice cubes, but you will need to be careful to make sure they are getting the right amount of hydration.
It is okay to use ice cubes as your primary watering method, and some people find it much easier to manage than traditional watering, as long aKs your Bonsai is not cold-sensitive.
If you do choose the ice cube method for watering your Bonsai, there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind.
How To Water Bonsai with Ice Cubes
Ice cubes can be a really easy way to hydrate your Bonsai, but you still need to do it in the right way.
Make Sure the Topsoil is Dry Before Adding Ice
To avoid overwatering, you should not add ice to the topsoil unless it has already started to dry out. If the first inch or so of the soil is still wet, don’t add any ice, or your Bonsai can become saturated and suffer from root rot.
Use Enough to Thoroughly Wet the Soil
One of the main difficulties with using ice cubes to water your Bonsai is knowing how many cubes you need.
It will take some time for the ice to melt and the water to become absorbed, but you need to make sure that the soil ends up thoroughly wet. It may take a few tries to find out exactly how many ice cubes it is going to take for your Bonsai.
Don’t Let the Soil Dry Out
You never want to let your Bonsai completely dry out. Make sure that you are keeping an eye on the soil in the pot and adding new ice cubes when you need to.
Keep the Ice from Touching the Plant
You don’t want the ice to actually touch the roots or stem of your Bonsai, or it can cause cold damage. Make sure that they are simply resting on the topsoil, where they can melt down safely.
Adjust the Number of Ice Cubes
Don’t get lulled into a false sense of security with this method – your Bonsai will need different amounts of water at different times. During the summer, you will need to add more ice cubes more frequently, and throughout the winter, you may need to use much fewer.
Don’t Use Ice Cubes with Cold-Sensitive Bonsai
If you have a cold-sensitive Bonsai, particularly if it is a tropical plant, then ice cubes are probably going to do more harm than good. With tropical Bonsai, it’s best to stick to water.
FAQ
Can You Water Bonsai with Cold Water?
You can water your Bonsai with cold water, but some experts suggest that it is not best for every tree or every occasion. Outdoor Bonsai, for example, warm up throughout the day, so cold water in the late afternoon can cause it to change temperature too quickly.
Some Bonsai, like tropical plants, are more sensitive to cold temperatures than others, so very cold water can be too much of a shock.
Recap: Water Bonsai with Ice Cubes
If you’re looking for a new way to water your Bonsai, then ice cubes might just be the thing for you. It’s not as easy as it may seem, though. Some people prefer to stick to the more traditional methods.
When using ice cubes, you still need to make sure that the soil is getting soaked all the way through, and you are never letting your Bonsai fully dry out. The ice itself shouldn’t touch your Bonsai, or it can cause cold damage, and it is not a recommended watering technique for cold-sensitive plants.
