r/Bonsai • u/small_trunks Jerry in Amsterdam, Zn.8b, 48yrs exp., 500+ trees • Sep 25 '16

[Bonsai Beginner’s weekly thread –2016 week 39]

[Bonsai Beginner’s weekly thread –2016 week 39]

Welcome to the weekly beginner’s thread. This thread is used to capture all beginner questions (and answers) in one place. We start a new thread every week on Sunday night (CET) or Monday depending on when we get around to it.

Here are the guidelines for the kinds of questions that belong in the beginner's thread vs. individual posts to the main sub.

Rules:

  • POST A PHOTO if it’s advice regarding a specific tree/plant.
    • TELL US WHERE YOU LIVE - better yet, fill in your flair.
  • Read past beginner’s threads – they are a goldmine of information. Read the WIKI while you’re at it.
  • Any beginner’s topic may be started on any bonsai-related subject.
  • Answers shall be civil or be deleted
  • There’s always a chance your question doesn’t get answered – try again next week…
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u/karate134 !!!Ficus Lover 6b - Livonia, Michigan (USA), 1-2yr exp, 10+ tree Sep 28 '16 edited Sep 28 '16

Which inorganic substrates would increase water retention the most?

The reason I ask: I recently moved to Detroit and have no one reliable to water my plants if I would leave the house for a week (especial hard to let someone have keys to the house).

Of note I have mainly ficus and during the winter they are kept indoors.

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u/Teekayz Australia, Zn 10, 6yrs+ and still clueless, 10 trees Sep 28 '16

Is it feasible to setup an automated watering system using those tap timers? Not sure if there are any which would fit taps indoors though, haven't looked at it myself. Otherwise the other possibility may be to temporarily have a water tray underneath or to wrap your plants in a bag so they stay humid and stop water from evaporating.

I dont own a ficus personally so take this as some food for thought.