Water quality
From BonsaiWIKI
A simple pH test kit can determine whether municipal water is safe for bonsai. Consider purchasing an inexpensive aquarium or pool test kit so you can determine the pH ( acidity ) of your water supply. The basic test kit was found at a home improvement center for about $5.
Municipal water tends to be alkaline. pH within a few tenths of a point of neutral should not be a problem, but if you are growing acid loving trees like Azalea, Juniper or Pine, you may consider taking steps to acidify your water slightly. This can be done with a drop or two of industrial strength vinegar to a gallon of water. Test your water before applying it, and always be sure to wear eye and hand protection when handling acids of any kind.
Injection systems are available that will automatically acidify and fertilize water. pH outside the neutral range will cause nutrients like iron to become chemically bound in the soil and unavailable to the tree.
| Watering - the Hardest Skill to Master |
| Watering Tips: The need for water | Monitoring soil moisture | Species & water | How to water | Learning to water |
| Watering Tools: Watering can | Hose-end sprayer | Drip watering | Dripper | Mister | Pump sprayer |
| Watering problems: Overwatering | Underwatering | Seasonal concerns | Watering when it rains | Bonsai not using water |
| Watering terms: Water quality | pH | Pollution | Chlorine | Chloramine | Root rot | Poor drainage | Humidity | RH | Mist |
