suprastar333
Newly Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Nov 08, 2006 2:00 am
Location: Switzerland

New Giant Bonsai losing leaves

Hi I'm new to the bonsai world. I think they are so interesting... my husband bought me a giant one from Ikea (probably not the best to start with).

Well I water it everyday and still it is dry, and everyday it's losing about 25 leaves. The plant still looks healthy and not too bare, but I worry if it keeps shedding like this, there will be nothing left after winter! Help!!

Thanks in advance for any advice... Jenn : )

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Gnome
Super Green Thumb
Posts: 5122
Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:17 am
Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A

Jenn,

You really have not given us much information to go on. What species is it? How is it situated, inside I presume, (Ikea and all), but what kind of light is it receiving?

If you are watering as you describe and it is still dry, (are you sure about this?), then you probably have soil issues or you are not watering it correctly. When you water you should water completely, not just a bit every day. The soil should be allowed to dry out a bit in between thorough waterings. Is the soil very high in peat? If so it will need to be changed eventually. Peat is difficult to wet when dry and once wet takes forever to dry out.

Read this: [url]https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_Watering.html[/url]
And this: [url]https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422&sid=dc285ef743e03fede60345a416cf11f7[/url]
And this: [url]https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422&sid=dc285ef743e03fede60345a416cf11f7[/url]

If you are positive that it is dry then you will have to ensure that it is thoroughly wetted. If you have a tub or basin large enough to immerse the pot then you should water it by submerging the pot in water for 10 minutes or so. It also helps to wet the soil if you water from above at the same time. Make sure that water can reach the drainage holes. If the pot has feet you will be OK if not prop one side up so water flows underneath.

This is just the first steps to take to ensure the survival of the tree.

Norm



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