Hi Geoff.
Well I won´t water my trees with this solution, that matter is settled. As for te position of my trees I´m still keeping my ficus within my house since temperatures at night, in Ciudad Real, might drop down to 5-8 degrees (Celsius), but I´m planning to take it out when April comes. And my Cryptomeria, the one I just repotted, I´m keeping it outside all day long. Oh, and the ficus is in front of a big window facing East.
And I´m leaving from April, 15th up to May, 2nd. I think that´s way to long time for my trees to endure it without suffering any harm. And rain, well, I wouldn´t count too much with it, since in Ciudad Real is a scarce resource for most of the year.
Thanks Geoff