I really need help with my bonsai-leaf problems

[sandigirl]

Hello to all on the bonsai forum

I have had my bonsai tree now for only 2 weeks. The trunk and new leaf growth look healthy, but the tree has lost two thirds of its leaves in just 2 weeks since I bought it. Is this due to the extremely hot weather we have had.? I water the tree as told to in leaflet and have fed the tree once upto date. The leaves that are falling off seem to have brown patches on and on average the tree is loosing 20-30leaves a day. There are new shoots growing on the tree at the top of the stems and also in some of the areas where the leaves have fallen. The new leaves are light green in colour and look healthy. I have also noticed that in the soil i can sometimes see very tiny little crawlies, but not many of them. I will be devostated if my tree dies as i have always wanted a bonsai and i have taken such good care of him. Please anyone who can help or give me tips as what to do??? Is it normal for a tree to loose so much of its foilage???

[Sharp]

Depends on the kind of tree you have.


Do you know or can you post a pic?

[sandigirl]

hi sharp

Im not really sure what type of tree it is, on the leaflet that came with the tree it just says that it is an evergreen house bonsai with the trunk in the traditional s shape

[Sharp]

Hrm.... that doesnt help us much.
Is it a broad leaf or is it more of a juniper type? Im guessing its broad.

The reason i ask is, some plants can be in distress and drop leaves only to make a strong comeback, but some leaf loss is almost a sign of death.

If its too hot that can be whats causing your tree to drop leaves. WHen watering it, us a toothpick, stick it in the soil and when you pull it out and there is moist soil stuck to it then it generally doesnt need more water. Do th is everyday. Im guessing you are keeping this outside, which btw is usually good. But the hot sun can dry em out...esp if you are in a heat wave like most of the US, is currently in.

Now, my the new growth is promising. Alot of bonsai will drop leaves when changes occur, climate, temp, watering etc.

So as you can see there are alot of variables. It would help greatly to post a pic or you can find a similar tree on the web and post it.

Id also suggest you getting tons of material to read and learn. It will help greatly!

[koiboy01]

Hi,
You tree could be losing its leaves if you are actually watering too much,
let the soil nearly dry out before watering give a good soak and don't water until the soil looks nearly dry again.
koiboy01

[JoeLewko]

i think sharp really covered everything here, but a pic would be really helpful.
If it has new leaf growth, im guessing its dropping leaves due to stress.

[Gnome]

Sandgirl,

An identification should be one of your first points to research, not only in order to better answer your specific question but in order for you to provide appropriate care in the future. Without a proper ID any advice that you receive, outside of general care, is speculation.

Norm

[sandigirl]

Hi Sharp

For the last two nights I think i have looked at hundreds of bonsai trees trying to desypher what kind of tree I have. Unfortunately I do not have access to a digi camera yet, but it will be my next purchase!!

The type of bonsai tree which I have is a Ficus Microcarpa with an s shaped trunk, which has been shaped in abeautiful way. I know that i have an unbelieveable amount to learn about these wonderful trees!!!

Thank you for your advise and i am hoping that the new regrowth will replace the massive amount of leaves lost. I did go on to a german website as the company who cultivated the tree are called herbae optimae formae and it seems that they specialise in these indoor bonsai?
It was difficult to translate but there was a gentleman with a very similar tree, who seemed to be experiencing the same loss of leaves and green leaves with brown patches on.

Would you still reccommend that the tree is left outside during the day, but not in direct light??

Thanks for your response and help, its very much appreciated!!! Also thanks to Koiboy, Joelewko and Gnome for their advise too!!!!!!!

[Sharp]

Would you still reccommend that the tree is left outside during the day, but not in direct light??

I suggest that you monitor the watering and light. Those 2 are the biggest things at first you need to master. They will drop leaves when in distress, or in environmental changes. If you are going thru a heat wave id suggest if it doesnt go over 100-105 f (srry i don't know the conversion for that off the top of my head. Blame the american education system lol) you'll be ok. Keep it out of the blaring afternoon sun. If you can id place it in a spot that gets great morning light, afternoon shade. The humidity is a big idea. Mistings and humidity trays could work wonders.

A similar experience i had with my ficus last year. It dropped almost all of its leaves. As a noobie last ditch effort i put it outside, mist it 2x a day and since then its grown all the leaves back and has got about 2 inches on each branch.

Ficus are generally thought of as beginner plants since they can be so forgiving and hardy. ID love to see some pics of yours if you ever are able.

Thanks!

[JoeLewko]

With the care sharp described, it sahould get its leaves back. like i said before, if it has new growths, its probably not dead.

[Gnome]

Sandigirl,

Ficus are notorious for dropping their leaves when they are exposed to a new environment, a change in light levels especially. It will probably recover in time. The new leaves will be acclimated to the level of light in which they form.
Exercise extreme caution when watering. Ficus don't enjoy constantly wet feet even in the best of times. When a tree has been defoliated, deliberately or otherwise, water requirements drop dramatically. You should let the soil approach dryness, not just the surface either, before watering thoroughly. Here is a species quide.

http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ficus.html

Norm

[sandigirl]

Hi Sharp,
Thanks again for you quick reply. Your advise is really good and I will follow it to the tee. I am going to find a nice place in my garden as you said and let the tree relish in the natural environment.

As soon as i buy a digi camera i will definately send you a picture and from what I have noticed today, the tree seems to be adapting to the cooler weather really well and is sprouting new growth everywhere.

Thank you so much for your help! kind regards!!

[sandigirl]

I would like to say a big thanks to Jeolewko for your advise!!
and also a big big thanks to Gnome for your advise on Ficus.

Gnome your reply was really helpful on the watering side as I had been advised to stand the ficus in a bowl of water one inch over trunk level, until it stopped bubbling or for around 3-5 minutes, this is probably where i have gone wrong and as you said my tree has been overwatered. Before that it was okay!!! The tree now has lots of new regrowth and as sharp said i am going to provide plenty of light...... I am glad that you have told me to almost leave the soil to dry as i had been wondering when to water again.

I am using a mist spray and keeping my fingers crossed that all will be okay!!!

Thanks a million for the web address, Im sure it will provide me with plenty of study

[JoeLewko]

your welcome. I actually came across is by pure luck. i was looking at google images, and i clicked that pic, and i saw the info on the page and began reading. What i really like is that chart about what the leaves can tell you. it helps me a lot, because after i clipped my ficus the other day, it hasnt seemed to be growing, although there are new buds. i thought it was because i cut it, but the site says its not getting enough light. Which makes sense, because it only gets its light from open blinds, and i had been out the past few days, when my ficus was supposed to get afternoon light, but the blinds were closed, because i wasnt there to open them. so i put it outside where it should be. i originally took it in, because it was raining too much, but i put it out fro two reasons. the constant rain has stopped, and i have moss on the soil to help protect from rain erosion/overwatering. I know moss wont keep all the moisture out, but it'll help. Woah, i kinda went on an unrelated rant there...sorry...ill stop now...

[sandigirl]

Hi Sharp + Joelewko

Have had a look at both of the links which you provided me with for bonsai ficus - they are great links - great advise.

I have been told to purchase an insecticide called rose clear to get rid of the crawlies in the soil. I have tried to pick them out but the little critters are too fast and too small.

I think if i reduce the watering, which i am leaving the bonsai to dry for a while as it is still very moist and also spray the little bugs that my tree will be okay. (Fingers crossed)!!!!

Thank you both for you help + I will keep you informed as to how I have got on!!!!

Many thanks sandigirl!!