Shimpaku Bonsai Care Help Needed

[Isaac]

Hi Everyone,

I purchased a Shimpaku Bonsai from a reputable bonsai shop in my neighborhood a few months ago. This is a my first bonsai tree. So far I believe things have generally gone smoothly, however I have some concerns. I'm curious to learn about ways to identify if I am either over watering or perhaps under watering my tree.

I generally water every 4 to 5 days, using diluted fertilizer roughly every 2nd or 3rd watering. I'm very concerned with not allowing my soil to completely dry out, so is it possible I'm causing the opposite problem by over watering?

I have generally kept my plant in what I would describe as medium indirect sunlight.

I've recently noticed that some of my tree's needles have changed color. The best way that I can describe it is that outer needles seem to have a fairly lush green color, but when I look through, the outer needles, some of the interior needles have an grey or brownish look. Obviously this doesn't seem to be the healthiest color.

Can anyone clue me into what might be the issue? Is this emergency that I should be packing up my plant and rushing back to bonsai shop for help with, or something I should be able to take care of on my own.

Thank you!

[Isaac]

Here are some images. You might think it doesn't look that bad, but I think it has changed a big, and of course, hopefully I can stop it before it ever does get bad!

https://picasaweb.google.com/isaac.gaetz/Bonsai02#5344723218013483298

https://picasaweb.google.com/isaac.gaetz/Bonsai#5344728342767723234

[Isaac]

If the above links do not work, please try these.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_Yia2FLKCmPFPyCRfSt0kw?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dmcVHYxEXb9Wp6MEiBF_7g?feat=directlink

[IndorBonsai]

I would say that it needs more sunlight, Junipers like direct sun, These are outdoor trees and will do best if placed outside. If it is like my cypress and dosent get enough sun its lower and inner branches/foliage will die off.

Also try the toothpick method for checking when to water, it just makes it easier this link will help explain.
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1479

[Isaac]

I think you are right. That was my wife's instinct too. I'm going to try and get it near an east exposure window and get my watering under control based on the toothpick method you suggested. Thanks a lot.

I'll try to follow up when/if I see changes for the better or (hopefully not) worse.

[snowblind]

just a thorte I may be wrong ofc but the pots does look a little on the large size for a tree of that size allso yup id get that little one out in the sun they wonna be outdoors and doo poorley inside

good luck

[Isaac]

Hi All, I'd like to follow up on my tree. I've followed the advice given, I've relocated the tree to an outdoor location and been monitoring my watering quite carefully. During the hot summer days, I was water once every day or two, while I would skip watering on rainy or more overcast days. I believe I've essentially stabilized the tree, the areas that were brown are still brown while other many other areas are a healthy green.

What can I do going forward?

I'm wonder about the brown needles. Some have fallen off naturally, while others linger on. Should I just let these be? Also, are the needles falling into the soil a threat to the plant? I've been removing them, but wasn't sure if these would be harmful or perhaps they would function as a fertilizer?