Bonsai branches are beginning to turn reddish

drms8 · Sat Jul 18, 2009 2:48 pm

Hello! My daughter & I recently purchased a couple of 2 year old Bonsai trees. We've only had them for a week and have been giving them water each day, as instructed. They are both beginning to turn a rusty red color on some of the lower or outward branches. Neither of us have had one before and wonder if we're watering too much, not enough each time, if the light they get isn't enough or is too much...Can someone please guide us on this?

Thanks very much!

Gnome · Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:36 pm

drms8,

More information please, species, location, light levels, watering routine, evidence of insects, photos?

Norm

drms8 · Mon Jul 20, 2009 4:38 pm

I don't know what species it is. I set it in a western window where it doesn't get direct sunlight until around 3:30 or 4 in the afternoon. I'm giving it 1/3-1/2 cup of water each day. I see no insects on or around it. (I haven't yet figured out how to put a picture on here, but I have some of it.)

Thanks

kdodds · Tue Jul 21, 2009 7:55 am

If you can at least get them up to photobucket or some similar image share provider, it would go a long way towards helping you.

Gnome · Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:27 am

drms8,

(I haven't yet figured out how to put a picture on here, but I have some of it.)

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3724

Norm

drms8 · Mon Jul 27, 2009 1:02 am

Sorry it took me so long...here are four pics of my tree:

https://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/drms8/100_4835.jpg

https://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/drms8/100_4836.jpg

https://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/drms8/100_4837.jpg

https://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/drms8/100_4838.jpg

I set the tree out on the front porch, shaded by the roof, for some fresh air. I noticed when I brought it in today, there are little dry roots, sticking up out of the top of the container.[/img]

Gnome · Mon Jul 27, 2009 1:33 am

drms8,

Your pictures were not working so I edited them so they are at least clickable links.

Your trees are Junipers and they look OK from what I can tell. They do belong outside though. A transition period in a semi protected location would be prudent, after that they should be kept in a sunny spot.

Junipers should not be grown inside, eventually they will weaken and die. Junipers should not be kept soggy, instead allow the soil to approach dryness before you water again. Check out the link below and give the skewer/chopstick method a try.

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1479

Norm