So I bought a Chinese Elm bonsai two days ago and the bonsai nursery guy said to submerge it in water tub everyday. However, after internet research I've read I have to wait for it to dry out a bit then water it. So I haven't watered it for two days (because its still wet) but I'm getting worried its going to die and its still not getting dry! . And finally I'm keeping liquid fertilizer in one litre of water in a plastic bottle...is this ok or do have to apply liquid fertilizer fresh to water every time i fertilize.

( I haven't watered the bonsai since I bought it which was two days ago)

It is not going to dy from not getting water, as long at the roots are moist. It is at risk of dying if the roots are perpetually soaked.

Do let the roots dry a bit between watering, but NOT STONE DRY

PandarenBonsai wrote:

So I bought a Chinese Elm bonsai two days ago and the bonsai nursery guy said to submerge it in water tub everyday. However, after internet research I've read I have to wait for it to dry out a bit then water it. So I haven't watered it for two days (because its still wet) but I'm getting worried its going to die and its still not getting dry! . And finally I'm keeping liquid fertilizer in one litre of water in a plastic bottle...is this ok or do have to apply liquid fertilizer fresh to water every time i fertilize.

Ah, very interesting - a couple of questions that have never been asked before!

- Don't soak it every day
- Do not fertilize it all the time
- There is no need to immediately repot *) / fertilize / prune it
- Look up the care guidelines on this page
- Be patient

*) Unless when it is in bad, compact, non-draining soil

There is no need to immediately repot unless when it is in bad, compact, non-draining soil

( I haven't watered the bonsai since I bought it which was two days ago)

this tells me that the tree is in a typical mallsai heavy soil.. a bit like Keto.

if left in this soil, the tree will die sooner or later..


take a picture where we can judge the tree in the soil..

but without seeing it, i'd advice to repot it in a well draining soil mixture..

And I wouldn't advise giving your tree a bath!

If it has pebbles glued to the top, or glue in the bottom hole, remove them both. Go easy & be careful if the top is glued - you could damage the tree.

Here's are picture of the soil . How long do you think it can manage for with this soil? Than you in advance.

looks like akadama, but it's old and broken down.. so it can clog up your soil..

get that ugly rock off..

Looks like a lot organic material in it that has started to decompose. That's probably the reason it is staying so wet. Plenty of hard water scale around the pot, which collects after long use without cleaning. It looks like time for a repot.

Get a good draining soil, trim your roots some, clean out old soil where you can, & wire it back into the pot. There's quite a bit of info on how to do this out there. Check the bottom for wire holding your tree in; I had a friend that didn't realize that's how you hold it in until I helped him repot.

While the tree is out, you could clean that scale off with some vinegar & a scrubber. If it's really hard, try a razor blade to pry the flakes off.

Personally, I'd remove the rock, too, unless you're heart is set on it.

Dominion wrote:

looks like akadama

I disagree.

get that ugly rock off..

I agree.

Also, the tray with pebbles serves no purpose.