Hi all.

I'm new to this forum and couldn't find a string on this topic, so if there is one, please just direct me there.

I successfully grew bonsai when I lived in the US. I recently retired to Portugal and am in a quandary. I live in an apartment with a small veranda. Putting in an irrigation system isn't a real option but travel takes me away from home for many weeks. I started using self-watering pots for house plants, flowers and herbs. They're easier to manage for a plant-sitter - just refill the reservoir.

I know self-watering pots aren't classic, but I can live with that. I'm so missing the artistic expression I left behind. Has anyone had experience growing bonsai in these types of pots? Thanks

How do they work, these selfwatering pots? Can you post a link to the ones you've been using? Thanks and welcome

www.lechuza.us/

Clicio, thanks for getting back to me. At risk of being long winded, the water is absorbed from below. I got inspired while visiting Japan, where people were growing trees up to 4 or 5 feet in Japanese self-watering pots. I couldn't tell if plants were repotting into bigger pots every few years or the gardeners were using bonsai techniques to keep the plants contained. I couldn't find a gardener who spoke enough English to discuss.

LaineB wrote:

.. I got inspired while visiting Japan, where people were growing trees up to 4 or 5 feet in Japanese self-watering pots. I couldn't find a gardener who spoke enough English to discuss.

English speaking people in Japan is somehow difficult to find...
But I have visited this link:
www.lechuza.us/the-lechuza-sub-irrigatio...sserungs-system.html
And found it very interesting for bonsai. Please post the results after you try, I am curious!

Will do. This veranda will be an adventure - 5 to 6 hours of sun. I'm going to try growing camillas up to 4 feet, and some acers of different sizes. We'll see if any thrive.