What I have begun to realize is that today's fast draining bonsai soil is just that, FAST DRAINING! It seems that most of today's teaching over emphasizes how over-watering is dangerous to our trees' root systems. Yes, it can severely debilitate a trees roots depending on the specie. However, what most beginners do not understand is that if FAST DRAINING soil is used, it is almost impossible to over-water and it is much more likely under-watering will occur. Most beginners use this soil because that is what they are told to use.The problem lies in how FREQUENTLY we beginners water our trees. I have seen quite a few withered trees in BONE-DRY soil at recent BSSJ meetings. It seems that before we begin styling our trees, we need to become far more aware of the soil we use as related to the needs of our trees. Again, I almost lost a valued tree because I feared overwatering. If one studies current material about soils and watering it is often stated that trees potted in FAST DRAINING soil usually need to be watered at a frequency of 24 to 36 hours. Of course, this varies due to conditions. Now, I am more closely monitoring the moisture level of each one of my trees on an individual basis. The pic is F. microcarpa before it's decline.
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