Help - I think my bonsai is dying

[Kato]

We bought a large indoor bonsai tree from ikea earlier on in the year - and now it looks like it is dying, all the leaves in the middle section are falling off, both new and old ones, some leaves have turned yellow and some have black burnt like patches on them - there is also a light brown flaky soil growing at the trunk and on some of the soil there is what looks like a white cobweb. I cant see any bugs on it anywhere but it each day more leaves fall off different sections - can anyone help?

.x.

[TomM]

I keep seeing the ikea name associated with problem bonsai. What are they selling? Do you know what kind of "indoor bonsai tree" you have? That would help us help you.

[Kato]

it is a large one though - we have a small one which is fine

[Gnome]

Kato,

If you could post some photos we would stand a much better chance of helping you.

[url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3724]How to Post Pictures & Photos on Forums[/url]
Norm

[Kato]

its getting worse by the day :0(

[img]https://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/kato121/DSC01428.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/kato121/DSC01429.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/kato121/DSC01430.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/kato121/DSC01431.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/kato121/DSC01432.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/kato121/DSC01435-1.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/kato121/MOV01426.jpg[/img]

[TomM]

Kato, Glad you posted pictures. It appears you have a (sick) ficus - not sure which ficus it is. However I think it is suffering from root rot, which is usually a result of overwatering and/OR poorly draining soil.

I don't have a solution for you for saving this tree but I'm sure others will be jumping in with their opinions. I would suggest that you purchase some good draining (general mix) bonsai soil and be prepared to do an emergency "re-pot". For now - let your tree dry out a bit. There may be other issues as well.

[Kato]

Big thanks tom - its so sad isnt it? Ill be on the phone to the parents to see if they can bring over some new soil, we live in the city centre so bit tricky to get some ourselves!

[The Helpful Gardener]

What are you doing for lighting?

Leaf drop like this is often a change of lighting for ficus. Or drafts. Or too much water. BAsically they drop leaves if things aren't exactly how they like

But I'm most worried about lighting. Windows? Supplemental bulbs?

HG

[Kato]

We keep it by the window which gets lots of light throughout the day and at times open the window for fresh air - we don't water it that often but the soil is always damp.

[The Helpful Gardener]

Damp is not a word I am comfortable with. Soil should be drained enough to where surfaces should be moist or almost dry (This is why I like to moss my pots; it creates exactly the right mix of wicking and moisture retention).

I see a basin in the photos. Is there standing water in there?

HG

[IndorBonsai]

To much water,, you have mildew on the surface of the soil. Probably root rot now too. Stop watering your tree until the soil is completely dry.
You might think that dry soil will kill your Ficus but nope not if it is only for a day or two.

The Ficus from my own experience is almost imposable to kill, thats why it makes such a great beginner bonsai. Just don't water it so much. After you let the soil go completely dry for a couple of days, water your tree maby every 3-4 days.
I water mine once a week, thats all they need. Especially when they are in a poor draining soil.

To Try and Save Your Tree,

I would suggest re-potting your tree right away with new soil, for right now any potting soil will work, you just need to get the roots out of the swamp they are living in now, and into soil that is allot dryer. I wouldn't even water after re-potting your tree for a couple of days. This might save your tree.