Holly Bonsai

[kitekat88]

I hope someone can help me. I have been watering my bonsai diligently. When it arrived, it had wonderful berries on it. That was in October. It is now February. Since then, the berries have dried up and fallen off. I helped some by cutting them off.

Right now, it has a few leaves on it but it looks like the trees outside. Dormant. Is it or have I killed it? Do they have cycles like the trees outside?

Help!!

[ynot]

kitekat88.

Welcome,

I hope someone can help me. I have been watering my bonsai diligently.

I hope this means only when it is required. Meaning that you check its depths [not just the surface] and water it completely when it needs it.

Sadly, Watering errors are the #1 cause of bonsai deaths...

Right now, it has a few leaves on it but it looks like the trees outside. Dormant.

If it is a holly [IE: Illex Crenata= Japanese Holly that is evergreen, Or Illex Serrata = a deciduous shrub] it is a tree that requires a dormancy and would prefer to be dormant outside.
This requires some preparation, First we need a positive ID.

Is it or have I killed it?

Too soon to tell.
Check it this way, Use your thumbnail to scratch the bark [through to the cambium layer] in an unobtrusive spot. If you see a bright pale green it is still alive-ANY other color tells a different story . [IE: Tan, Brown, Etc ]

Do they have cycles like the trees outside?

Normally Yes, Because your tree should be outside [If it is an Illex].
Please post some pictures of it [Complete Tree, Foliage, and soil shots also.] [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3557/url]See these photo tips[/url]

It would be helpful for us if we knew more details about where you have been keeping it. IE: The light it gets, Temps, Your watering/fert regimen, Is it in any drafts, Etc...
The more info the better, Help us help you.

Here are a few links for you to read to help you learn a bit about bonsai:

About Holly bonsai:
https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ilex.html

A bonsai introduction: https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_Intro.html
https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_StartingOut.html
https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics%20LearningToWalk.htm
https://evergreengardenworks.com/bonsaip.htm

On Dormancy:
https://evergreengardenworks.com/dormancy.htm

About soil:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422
https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_Soils.html
https://evergreengardenworks.com/soils.htm

About watering: https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_Watering.html

I hope you take the time to absorb these links [As well as the others available on those websites] as there is a wealth of info/experience there.

You should find it all very interesting/confusing/helpful....

Hope it helps some.

Looking forward to the pictures.

ynot

[kitekat88]

I haven't yet scratched the bark yet. We have had weather lately that is below zero. I'm talking a couple of weeks. It sits on a table and gets sun through the window from the east. So it gets sun in the early morning.

I am going to be devastated if I have killed it. Of course, this was my first attempt.

[ynot]

I haven't yet scratched the bark yet.

Ok, Please do. I am betting that it is still green

We have had weather lately that is below zero. I'm talking a couple of weeks.

Uh..o-k. I am in IL also, Why the weather report?...lol

It sits on a table and gets sun through the window from the east. So it gets sun in the early morning.

Inside is not an appropriate environment for your tree.
Contrary to popular belief, Bonsai is a primarily outdoor pursuit. Your tree is no exception as Boxwoods do live outside naturally in a temperate enviroment.

Actually all trees live outside naturally though their climates may differ.

I am going to be devastated if I have killed it. Of course, this was my first attempt.

John Naka [often called the father of american bonsai] said famously: 'Dead trees are the tuition one pays to learn bonsai.'

[I have killed many more trees than I care to remember. This may be your first, But it won't be your last. It is just part of bonsai...]

I don't think yours is there yet, and we can learn from it either way.

Do read those links and post some pictures please.

'I have been watering my bonsai diligently'

What exactly does this mean?

ynot

[kitekat88]

I thank you for trying to help me. I have scratched the bark and it is a light brown underneath. By watering, I mean that I have been soaking it it a tub to cover to the top of the soil everyweek. This is what the directions that came with it said.

Today is my birthday. I will try to get you a picture over the weekend as I will have more time then. I do have a digital camera. Tomorrow I go to my daughter's and watch grandkids while she teaches. Saturday morning, I have a craft class and then I'm free to take a picture and mail it to you.

[Gnome]

Kite,

[url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3724]Here[/url] is how to post pictures on the forum. If your tree has expired don't take it too hard, as Ynot has noted we have all killed trees, it is inevitable. You got the wrong tree for indoor culture, there are others or you could try again in the Spring. In the meantime read everything you can so you will be more prepared next time. Welcome to the forum by the way.

Norm

[ynot]

kitekat88,

I look forward to the picture, Enjoy your birthday.

By watering, I mean that I have been soaking it it a tub to cover to the top of the soil everyweek. This is what the directions that came with it said.

I understand you were just following the directions but consider this:

Watering on a schedulel [any schedule] Does not address this question:

Does the tree need water?

It does not address this issue at all.

It is simply not possible to effectively water on a schedule.

Submersion as a regular watering practice is not recommended by professionals with years of experience who make their living from Bonsai. If your soil requires being submerged to be completely saturated, [Which IS the goal every time you water.] You need new soil. [I have already provided you with links to all of this info, There are even specific links about soil and water there for you.]

Watering from the top w/ a fine rose [Fine spray] is the primary method used.

Remember that your tree need not be soaking wet continually [This is bad in fact] ....Simply moist.

Check down a couple of knuckles deep in the pot, NOT just on the surface [ Your tree grows IN the soil not on top of it. ]

Check it every day but only water as it is required.

Please do read the links/websites provided as you will find them very informative.

Please do scratch it a bit deeper- [same spot is fine] just to be sure..

Light brown is not an encouraging color .

ynot