My Akadama doesn't seem to dry

[GreenDwarf]

Hi guys,

I recently repotted three bonsais of mine in a mix of 2/3 Akadama/Pumice to give it a shot. I am really new to the bonsai world and have been using the chopstick method when it comes to gauging the need for watering my trees.

It has been over three days and it seems that the Akadama never really dries. It is on the surface,however, as soon as I dig a bit, I can see the dark color of wet Akadama underneath. I live in Vietnam where the climate is very hot and humid. My trees are on the balcony and get at least 3 hours of direct sunlight in the afternoon.

I read that when the color is dark brown and not beige, that means that it is still wet and therefore, doesn't need water. Yet, I am confused because I don't know whether I should wait until the whole pot gets dry, which might take ages or water thoroughly anyhow. I didn't know Akadama had such a high water retention property. I am using the hard one. Should I water every 3 days although the soil is still wet? Will it hurt the tree or better wait a week until it dries completely?
The pictures have been taken now which is 3/4 days after watering.

Thank you very much!
Your help is precious to me! And to them

 

[Vic N]

Newly repotted trees won't immediately begin using a ton of water. Whenever you start to see fresh new growth on your tree, it means the roots are healing and beginning to send water and nutrients up to make the new growth. Then the water usage will go up

 

[TomB]

With that soil mix, there's not much danger of over-watering, as long as the air spaces between the particles aren't staying full of water. I'd be happy to water when the soil looks the way it does in your pictures. You don't want to wait until it's all the colour of stuff fresh from the bag, then your trees would be too dry.

 

[JudyB]

Part of the answer is dependent on what kind of trees you have. Some trees want to be wetter than others. With these trees and a substrate like you are using, you can water them every day without harm as long as the mix is free draining. With others like pines or junipers, it's good to let the soil get a little dryer before watering in humid climates. But as long as your substrate is open and free draining, it really doesn't hurt those to water frequently either. So Tom and Vic are both correct. Good luck and welcome to the forum. Please be sure to go to your profile and put your location there, so it can show up under your name, and people can give you advice based on your climate.

 

[sorce]

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[GreenDwarf]

Thank you everyone for your prompt reply. I will water them without worries as the water comes out right through at the bottom.
Have a nice and present day everyone