Watering - high temperatures

[Maiden69]

The only time I'm watering at night...is in fall when I'm expecting frost. To set in dormancy...when temps will be colder and it's windy. I read to do that somewhere .

I read something similar from Brent, but for protection against the freezing temps in his area.

Over Wintering Bonsai

Below this point some kind of freeze protection is needed. I live in USDA Zone 8 and each year I prepare all of my container plant areas for freeze protection by programing the irrigation system to come on if I expect the low temperature to approach 15F. When water freezes it actually releases a good deal of heat. Of course the ice doesn't heat up, but what does happen is that the temperature of the ice does not fall until all this heat is released and radiated into the surroundings. In addition to this, the ice forming on the plant can also insulate it somewhat, protecting it from falling air temperatures. This form of frost protection is widespread in the orchards and vineyards of our area.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I read something similar from Brent, but for protection against the freezing temps in his area.

Over Wintering Bonsai

Below this point some kind of freeze protection is needed. I live in USDA Zone 8 and each year I prepare all of my container plant areas for freeze protection by programing the irrigation system to come on if I expect the low temperature to approach 15F. When water freezes it actually releases a good deal of heat. Of course the ice doesn't heat up, but what does happen is that the temperature of the ice does not fall until all this heat is released and radiated into the surroundings. In addition to this, the ice forming on the plant can also insulate it somewhat, protecting it from falling air temperatures. This form of frost protection is widespread in the orchards and vineyards of our area.

I know Wigerts have shared some shockingly amazing photos of ice over bonsai from misting when temps drop.

My trees winter in a controlled cold greenhouse. But I still am cautious as I allow them to fall into dormancy. If it gives me peace of mind.

I think Ryan Neil spoke of it in a wintering video too. I once was an admin of a bonsai group on Facebook. Sharing tidbits to newbies...in the album section to find later.

 

[Forsoothe!]

"Old Wives Tale" or not......fungus likes conditions with high moisture. That's the reason why in a home the first place mold will show up is in your bathroom if it's not properly ventilated.

Keep JM maple leaves constantly wet in the evening/night and soon enough you'll have powdery mildew or leaf spot on the leaves.

Don't believe me try it.............I grow plenty enough plants to know

Yes, and No. Powdery Mildew is/can be a problem in places where the foliage of the resident plants do not cycle wet, dry every day. That especially includes nearby blocks of dense shrubbery that do not cycle dry every day close to the bonsai. Free air movement and sunlight is as important for the local environment as it is for bonsai.

 

[Pitoon]

Yes, and No. Powdery Mildew is/can be a problem in places where the foliage of the resident plants do not cycle wet, dry every day. That especially includes nearby blocks of dense shrubbery that do not cycle dry every day close to the bonsai. Free air movement and sunlight is as important for the local environment as it is for bonsai.

Totally agree!

.......I'm still going to beat you in the azalea contest!

 

[just.wing.it]

tiny droplets travelling through the air also lose heat fast so even hot water through micro sprays probably won't hurt the plants

This is what I figured and have banked on when I've had to use a sprinkler....
I hate vacations....
Stick in the mud over here....perfect for bonsai.

 

[LeftHandLuke]

The main issue with me is, and i don't know if this is true or it's just an 'old wives' tale', that if you water a plant when extremely hot, it can cause a heat stroke

That's actually true, but it's the person doing the watering that gets heat stroke.

 

[Pj86]

Another thing to keep in mind is that heat can kill bonsai faster than cold. Heat meaning dry and in the 95F range and above. In that situation if you are in doubt about watering it is best to just water.

 

[Mikecheck123]

I know Wigerts have shared some shockingly amazing photos of ice over bonsai from misting when temps drop.

I saw a video where they explain that they keep the sprinklers on continuously until it warms up again. Not sure if that's a viable solution for everyone.

 

[just.wing.it]

I saw a video where they explain that they keep the sprinklers on continuously until it warms up again. Not sure if that's a viable solution for everyone.

I wonder if that is to keep the pipes from freezing....?

 

[Cadillactaste]

I wonder if that is to keep the pipes from freezing....?

No, it is to protect their bonsai material. Ice is an insulator.

I saw a video where they explain that they keep the sprinklers on continuously until it warms up again. Not sure if that's a viable solution for everyone.

Maiden above mentioned it as what they do. It was the reason I referenced it.

 

[leatherback]

Ice is an insulator.

And when water freezes, it has to release warmth, which keeps the buds warmer.

 

[Carol 83]

I hate vacations....

Getting away from home, no laundry, no cooking, what's not to like? Plus, day drinking is considered perfectly acceptable on vacation!

 

[Forsoothe!]

Totally agree!

.......I'm still going to beat you in the azalea contest!

You don't stand a chance in Hell. Remember, I cheat. And lie. As a matter of fact, mine is coming along pretty good...

How's that for 2 years from scratch?

 

[River's Edge]

One of the biggest dangers during these times of extreme temperatures is hot pots!

important point. It is wise to cool off the pots and foliage even if the roots seem to have enough water. Particularly if the temperatures are around or greater than 90 degree Fahrenheit or 30 degree Celsius for a rough guideline.

 

[River's Edge]

You don't stand a chance in Hell. Remember, I cheat. And lie. As a matter of fact, mine is coming along pretty good...
View attachment 383547
How's that for 2 years from scratch?

Unbelievable!

 

[Flowerhouse]

day drinking is considered perfectly acceptable on vacation!

Also acceptable when retired

 

[Dav4]

Also acceptable when retired

What about during a sabbatical, or while "on leave"? Asking for a friend...

 

[Flowerhouse]

What about during a sabbatical, or while "on leave"? Asking for a friend...

Well, sure. On vacation, retired, on sabbatical, "on leave," it's all good. And remember, if you're going to drink all day you have to start in the morning.

 

[sorce]

I thought day drinking was acceptable except when it makes you forget to water when it's hot?

It's also ALWAYS noon at Grimmy's house!

Sorce

 

[River's Edge]

What about during a sabbatical, or while "on leave"? Asking for a friend...

When in doubt, remember it is five o'clock somewhere.