Hey-
I was wondering if anyone could help me. About two weeks ago, I purchased a chinese elm bonsai for a co worker as a gift. I was planning on giving it to her next week but I'm having some troubles with it.
When I got it, it looked really nice and even had some small new growth on some of the tips of the branches. I watered it a bit when I got it home because the soil looked and felt dry. The next day I noticed a few of the leaves had turned yellow, so I figured maybe I had given it too much water.
I then decided to use less water next time I watered it, and also to water it only every 3 or 4 days. I have been keeping it inside near a window where it gets sunlight most of the day.
About 2 or 3 days ago, I noticed the leaves to be curling and were dry feeling. They're all green and they're not falling off. I started to mist the leaves with a spray bottle and watering it more to try to help it. Did I kill it by mistake or is there still hope for it?
- Gnome
- Super Green Thumb
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- Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A
elrskny,
There is still hope for the tree.
Check the soil and if you agree that it is dry I suggest watering it thoroughly by immersion, once. The type of soil has a lot to do with watering frequency. A loose, free draining soil is difficult to water too often but a dense, peaty soil holds water longer. But once that type of soil dries it is more difficult to re-wet. Can you describe the soil or better yet post some pictures?
Norm
There is still hope for the tree.
When you water you should always water thoroughly, no half measures. By cutting back on the amount and the frequency I feel you have been keeping it too dry. The dry, green leaves are also an indicator, our homes are very dry as well. Read [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1479]this[/url] for tips on watering bonsai.I figured maybe I had given it too much water...I then decided to use less water next time I watered it, and also to water it only every 3 or 4 days. I have been keeping it inside near a window where it gets sunlight most of the day.
Check the soil and if you agree that it is dry I suggest watering it thoroughly by immersion, once. The type of soil has a lot to do with watering frequency. A loose, free draining soil is difficult to water too often but a dense, peaty soil holds water longer. But once that type of soil dries it is more difficult to re-wet. Can you describe the soil or better yet post some pictures?
Norm
Thank you for answering my post and for the encouragement. The soil in the tree is dense, but I think its moist now that I've been watering it what I feel may be more properly over the past several days. When I put my finger in the drain hole in the bottom of the pot the soil feels moist. The rocks on top of the soil are not attached; they're easily moved. I have posted some images of the tree, the soil, and the leaves.
[img]https://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/elrskny/Photo-0042.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/elrskny/Photo-0001.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/elrskny/Photo-0002.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/elrskny/Photo-0043.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/elrskny/Photo-0045.jpg[/img]
Thanks again for your help.
[img]https://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/elrskny/Photo-0042.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/elrskny/Photo-0001.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/elrskny/Photo-0002.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/elrskny/Photo-0043.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu247/elrskny/Photo-0045.jpg[/img]
Thanks again for your help.