When watering and it runs right through it means ??

[sbarnhardt]

I've tried to "find" this answer so as not to unnecessarily bother, but I'm either not finding it, I'm too dense to understand, or something else.

I just today bought a Parson's Juniper from the nursery that's still in the nursery pot. I've begun to clean it up some to try to form an idea of how to progress with it. But that's not my question here. It seemed pretty dry when I brought it home, so I watered it. But when I started watering it, it almost ran straight through and out the bottom of the pot. So I poured it slower and took it easier and it was a bit better. I don't have a lot of experience here, but what little bit I do have lets me know it shouldn't run through that quickly. I seem to remember reading this is an indication of something needing to be repotted when this happens, but I've also read something, if memory serves me correctly, that tended to say this happens when the soil is so dry it won't absorb water very well and it should be "dunked." Which one is right? I know it needs to be corrected and am ready and willing to do it. I just would feel better if I felt more that what I was doing was the right thing and not a shot in the dark because I 'think" I'm doing right. Suggestions/comments from folks more learned than Iare welcomed!!

I've read so doggone much on here lately that I'm on information "overload" it seems. Not really, I'm sure, but it feels like it sometimes.

 

[lordy]

It depends. If the soil is more like sandy garden or potting soil, and the water runs out the bottom, it might be too compacted to be able to easily absorb water. If this is the case, try soaking the whole pot for 5 minutes or so. Let is soak until no bubbles rise.
IF, on the otherhand, the soil is a good large granule bonsai mix, it would be normal for the water to run right out the bottom. The difference is that with the first scenario, the water is running down the sides of the rootball and out the edge holes. With bonsai soil, the water will come straight through the rootball and out the center of the container. Make sense?

 

[M. Frary]

The soil in a nursery bucket can shrink when it dries out so when you first started watering the water ran down the inside of the bucket in that gap from shrinkage. When you slowed the soil started to expand and filled that void. A lot of plants from nurseries have all of their roots right next to the bucket because that is where the water is. I would just water and the heck out of it till I was sure all of the soil was saturated then monitor the soil so it doesn't dry out so much.

 

[sbarnhardt]

Thanks to both of you!!

The soil is the "nursery soil" and had, I noticed, pulled away from the sides a bit, but that possibility never entered my mind. So I will keep on watering it well. I have a clean 3 gallon plastic bucket that would work real well to dunk it in to make sure it's thoroughly watered and then go forward from there.

You folks have deposited another bit of bonsai knowledge in my brain. Please know it's appreciated.

 

[M. Frary]

You are welcome. Just make sure to not over water.

 

[lordy]

Thanks to both of you!!

You folks have deposited another bit of bonsai knowledge in my brain. Please know it's appreciated.

Yeah, but the withdrawls are hell.


Wait, that didnt sound right.