save my bonsai
I got a chinese elm about 2 weeks ago and hate to admit I didn't research it very well. I have kept in on my kitchen window to give it some sun and now realise it was probably too hot in the kitchen and too sunny on the window. It's leaves are now turning brown and falling off and they are all becoming very sappy with a weird white stuff on them. Does anyone know what this is or how to cure it? Where is the best place to keep it? I water it once every 3 days the soil isn't pure dry but from what I have read I might be under watering it.....
Welcome Dixie,dixie wrote:I got a chinese elm about 2 weeks ago and hate to admit I didn't research it very well. I have kept in on my kitchen window to give it some sun and now realise it was probably too hot in the kitchen and too sunny on the window. It's leaves are now turning brown and falling off and they are all becoming very sappy with a weird white stuff on them. Does anyone know what this is or how to cure it? Where is the best place to keep it? I water it once every 3 days the soil isn't pure dry but from what I have read I might be under watering it.....
Considering your in London I doubt it was too hot and sunny [In Oct] for your ulmus.
Important: Was this being kept outside before you got it?
If so it may have been allready acclimating to the winter temps and be preparing for dormancy.
Here is a care sheet https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ulmus.html
Here are some sites with excellent articles on basic care: IE: watering, Position, Lighting, Soils, etc etc. https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics.html https://www.evergreengardenworks.com/articles.htm
Do read up on watering as it is the single biggest mistake new owners make.
Watering on a schedule is completely inapropriate as it does not take into consideration the trees needs in any way whatsoever.
[The question isn't 'How long since I last watered?'... The question IS 'Does it need water?']
Check it every day [Dig under the surface 4-5cm or so- Don't just feel the top] , If it is moist-Do not water. When you do water, Completely soak the surface of the soil until the water drains freely from the drainage holes. Wait 15 minutes and then repeat it. Twice is required as much of the first watering flows off the surface and down the interior edge of the pot,[Leaving much of the rootball dry.] The second watering helps to insure penetration into the rootball.
[Bonsai pros water 3 times in fact-but that is another story.]
Do read the sticky about 'soil' at the top of the forum page, It will give you much to think about wrt your trees living conditions.
Please post a picture if possible and good luck.
ynot