itskitsch
Newly Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 7:21 am
Location: Sydney Australia

Please help! Green leaves turning Red?!

Hi All,

Happy holidays!

I'm a beginner and first timer, a Cotoneaster tree was given to me by my boyfriend less than a week ago as a christmas present :D Absolutely adore it, it's so cute .

Though, I think I've freaked out the tree, as it's leaves have suddenly turned all red?! And it's only summer here! Reading through the posts, as requested by 'Ynot' here are some specs below, I've also posted some pictures. Wondering if you guys can help me out, Thanks in advanced ! Please let me know if you have any further questions.

[url]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6596553425_27e134da24_b.jpg[/url]
[url]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6596553657_f3d570f646_b.jpg[/url]

Species/Variety of tree: Cotoneaster 2007
Watering: The vendor recommended immersing the pot in water for 10- 15 mins, depending on season. Reading through his guide, he's mentioned once a day for summer. I've done this first thing each morning.
Bonsai Soil: Not sure, But I'm assuming it's proper soil? Link of soil photo attached [url]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6596553971_0431e0960d_b.jpg[/url]
Where you are keeping it: Its currently an outdoor plant, it gets 5-6 hours of full sun . I've only taken it indoors after dark for the past two days and taken it out in the morning.
Though weather has been a bit odd in Sydney, some days have been cold 20 degrees celcius ( 68 F ),
and some days have been hot 27 degrees (81 F). It's been slightly windy on occasions also.
Your geographic location: Sydney, Australia
Duration: 1 week… Crisis already!
Recent Changes I think perhaps location change? Not sure how the tree was previously treated from the seller, so it's a new environment for the little tree.
Size of the tree and container:
Tree height: 14 cm ( 5.5 inches) from soil surface to top of tree.
Size of pot ( interior)
Width: 13cm ( 5.1 inches)
Height: 9 cm ( 3.5 inches)
Depth: Approx 4cm ( 1.5 inches)



TomM
Greener Thumb
Posts: 749
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 7:28 am
Location: Cedarville (SE of Utica) NY, USA

WELCOME!

Not to worry. Your cotoneaster is happy. 8)

In Australia Spring is turning to Summer - right?

Around here the wonderful rich red color of Summertime cotoneaster is a beautiful sight. We love it. Later on the red berries put on a show of their own.

Enjoy!

itskitsch
Newly Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 7:21 am
Location: Sydney Australia

It's okay?! Thanks TomM for your help !!

My boyfriend is going to have a field day with this tomorrow,
I guess better safe than sorry hey?! :P

Have a great new year.

Thanks again

Anne

TomM
Greener Thumb
Posts: 749
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 7:28 am
Location: Cedarville (SE of Utica) NY, USA

Anne,
I should have mentioned that this is not an indoor plant. It needs to be outdoors. Read up on this and keep your beautiful bonsai healthy.
HAPPY 2012

User avatar
rainbowgardener
Super Green Thumb
Posts: 25279
Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:04 pm
Location: TN/GA 7b

There are people here that know way more about bonsai than me, but I would think immersing your bonsai every day could be too much (although hot dry windy conditions might make that necessary). You are better off watering your tree when it needs it, not on a schedule.

This thread has some tips about growing bonsai, including the chopstick method of knowing when your tree needs watering.

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

linlaoboo
Green Thumb
Posts: 469
Joined: Sat May 22, 2010 1:15 pm
Location: NJ

just an observation the plant size and pot size is not in the right proportion for good looking bonsai although it's a good looking tiny tree indeed. Hopefully you can keep it healthy for a while and look into how you want the tree to progress in the future.



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