I don't know what is wrong with my bonsai! (Serissa)
I have had my indoor bonsai for at least 6 mths. I think it is a serissa foetida. it has been very healthy up until about 1 week ago. it has shed every leaf that was on it. I have scrapped at the bark with my finger and it is still green underneath. there are brown furry nodules (not sure if that's the correct term for them) on all the branches and one or two of them seem to have a leaf starting to appear from them. is this normal? anyone have any ideas what is happening to my bonsai?
Hello Kaz and welcome to the forum,Kaz wrote:I have had my indoor bonsai for at least 6 mths. I think it is a serissa foetida. it has been very healthy up until about 1 week ago. it has shed every leaf that was on it. I have scrapped at the bark with my finger and it is still green underneath. there are brown furry nodules (not sure if that's the correct term for them) on all the branches and one or two of them seem to have a leaf starting to appear from them. is this normal? anyone have any ideas what is happening to my bonsai?
I have quite a few Serissas growing on my stands and know what makes them happy, but I've never seen what you describe on any of mine. From the sounds of it, you have some sort of scale growing on yours, but that's only a quess on my part.
Will you please post a picture of your plant, both an overall shot and an in-focus closeup of a branch so that we can all help with the diagnosis.
Without a picture it's probably going to be impossible for anyone to know what's going on and suggest first aid.
If you have an account with Flicker or Photo Bucket or the like, you upload your pictures to that account and then you can upload them from there to our forum.
When you open an account with them, there are some pretty simplified instructions on how to share you pics. with others or on forums etc.
I hope this helps.
BTW, both of the above are free.
When you open an account with them, there are some pretty simplified instructions on how to share you pics. with others or on forums etc.
I hope this helps.
BTW, both of the above are free.
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maveriiick
- Senior Member
- Posts: 154
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2009 3:06 pm
- Location: Toronto
[img]https://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/Kazros/Bonzai/DSC01912.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/Kazros/Bonzai/DSC01913.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/Kazros/Bonzai/DSC01911.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/Kazros/Bonzai/DSC01910.jpg[/img]
You have a Fukien Tea. Looks like you've overwatered it and its dropped all its leaves. The only time it normally drops all its leaves is when is get cold and goes into mild dormancy (I.e. temp around 15 degrees Celsius). However, the tree can be kept indoors all year round with leaves.
Anyways, STOP watering it and allow the soil to dry out completely. These trees do best when the soil is dry between waterings. Also given the fact that the tree has no leaves you will not really need to water intensely once the soil is dry (no leaves for water transpiration). Leave it for a while in a warm area with a humidity tray and ample light and it might recover, but could take anywhere from a week to a month.
The moist soil (overwatering) has likely cause root rot.
[img]https://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/Kazros/Bonzai/DSC01913.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/Kazros/Bonzai/DSC01911.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/Kazros/Bonzai/DSC01910.jpg[/img]
You have a Fukien Tea. Looks like you've overwatered it and its dropped all its leaves. The only time it normally drops all its leaves is when is get cold and goes into mild dormancy (I.e. temp around 15 degrees Celsius). However, the tree can be kept indoors all year round with leaves.
Anyways, STOP watering it and allow the soil to dry out completely. These trees do best when the soil is dry between waterings. Also given the fact that the tree has no leaves you will not really need to water intensely once the soil is dry (no leaves for water transpiration). Leave it for a while in a warm area with a humidity tray and ample light and it might recover, but could take anywhere from a week to a month.
The moist soil (overwatering) has likely cause root rot.
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maveriiick
- Senior Member
- Posts: 154
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2009 3:06 pm
- Location: Toronto
Hi Maveriiick! Thanks a mil for sorting out my pics! and for your valuable information. 
I really thought it was a serrisa foetida and everything I read about those bonsai mentioned watering - to not let soil dry hence why my poor fukien has been drowned (practically!).
Fingers crossed it survives!! Thanks again
I really thought it was a serrisa foetida and everything I read about those bonsai mentioned watering - to not let soil dry hence why my poor fukien has been drowned (practically!).
Fingers crossed it survives!! Thanks again
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maveriiick
- Senior Member
- Posts: 154
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2009 3:06 pm
- Location: Toronto
The soil looks drenched. I would tilt the container on one side and place a fan on the soil to dry it a little more quickly. The longer the soild remains wet, the more root rot you'll get. Just let the soil dry out and then mist it with water at that point. It will take some time for leaves to re-sprout, if it survives. I've heard others say to scratch the bark to see of there is green (cambium layer) visible. If yes then you tree's chances for survival are much better.