Watering a bonsai while on vacation...?

Question

I'm going to be gone for a week, and I have a ten-year old Chinese Elm bonsai tree-indoors. I'm thinking about setting it in a shallow pot of water, and it should "water itself." Would this do any permanent damage to the tree? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

I know that I wouldn't want to sit with my feet in buckets of water for a week and I doubt your plant would either. It's not used to being immersed like that and you'll end up drowning it. It will end up permanently DEAD. Here's a link to bonsai care. You can pay particular attention to the section on watering.

http://www.american-bonsai.com/care.php

You may want to consider getting someone to tend to your plants during your vacation.

By the way, have a great time.

Answer 2

well that might be badd for it and it could lead to rotting roots at the base of the pot.  you could stand the whole pot in a container wher the pot fits completely. and let it soak for an hour or two... if you dont think that it will be fine then i suggest finding a family member or friend who will water it for you thats what i have done in the past when in needed someone to water my plants

Answer 3

I would think that it wouldn't be good to water a bonsai tree like that, considering it wouldn't be used to that much water for that little plant. just get someone to take care of it.