Ficus bonsai - most leaves fell off - prune/repot/fertilize?

[lisat727]

Hello! I have had my ficus bonsai for over a year now. I made the mistake of moving it to a more shady location that I felt better showcased this living piece of art (instead of my south-facing 1970's kitchen counter top!) and it started to lose some leaves. I quickly put it back where it was and over the course of a couple of weeks, the leaves turned yellow, dried up and fell off.

[img]https://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb420/lisatbreeden/ficus%20bonsai/CU_yellowspots.jpg[/img]

Now they are almost all off:

[img]https://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb420/lisatbreeden/ficus%20bonsai/fulltree2.jpg[/img]

BUT there is new growth at the end of the branches:

[img]https://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb420/lisatbreeden/ficus%20bonsai/newgrowth1.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb420/lisatbreeden/ficus%20bonsai/newgrowth2.jpg[/img]

Should I leave well enough alone? Water more or less? Prune? Fertilize? Repot?

Any advice would be so appreciated!!!

Thanks!

[luigonz]

I wouldn't worry too much. Ficus trees are quite sensitive to immediate changes in light conditions. they respond by dropping their leaves. If you would like to move the tree to the shelf, to so over time, maybe a progression over a few weeks.

I would maintain the watering habit that kept it health for the year you have had it. it should leaf out once it recovers from the shock.

[JTred]

Trees without leaves need less water, so make sure you use the chopstick method to make sure you don't over-water. If you want it to grow well I'd keep it in the south facing window, then move it outside once sprig comes.

[lisat727]

Thank you! I didn't know what to do.

I won't over water, and I'll use the chopstick method...can you give me a little crash course on that??

Thanks again - I was hoping to have this little bonsai for a long, long time!

[Gnome]

lisat727,

I find myself in agreement with JTred, bright light is best. Look here for an overview of the 'chopstick method':

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

Another method is to insert a toothpick or chopstick to the bottom of the pot and leave it there. Take it out daily to check it; if the toothpick has soil stuck to it or is damp there is no need to water. This method is particularly useful for trees that are in heavier organic/peat based soils. It becomes less effective when proper bonsai soils are used. After a while you will get used to the requirements of your particular trees.

Norm