DYING BONSAI PLEASE HELP!

[rotorstorm]

Hi!
I've recently purchased a bonsai as a gift for a friend, and it's really, really not doing well. See photos here:
https://tangentiality.tumblr.com/post/29029649189
It's a bit hard to tell from the photos, but the leaves are turning a yellowish/white in a speckled pattern, and the really bad ones are curling up. I've been watering it by soaking the pot in water for ten minutes once a week, sometimes twice a week (because I thought that the leaves were drying up because it wasn't getting enough water).

Any advice would be really, really appreciated!

[Gnome]

rotorstorm,

The cardinal rule of bonsai is to never water on a schedule. Please read this thread.
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1479

Ironically, either over-watering or under-watering can lead to a tree in this condition.

Now please read this thread.
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21636

More information helps lead to more specific answers. BTW, welcome to the site.

Norm

[manofthetrees]

if it is growing in the conditions in the pic then it needs more light . preferably outside semi shade till it regains some vigor ,at least a sunny (south facing) window

[rotorstorm]

Hi! Thank-you so much for your help, I really appreciate it! I think that I might have been over-watering it, and I'll definitely be moving it to a sunnier spot. Again, thank-you so much!

[manofthetrees]

it is a combination of the two .if you are putting this outside the soil will most likely dry out faster that indoors so you will need to check it dailt till you know how the soil reacts to heating up in the sun

[LindaD]

Hi...Have you checked the soil for gnats or white flyes? I had a bonsai drooping and crispy. I watered and watered and finally discovered tiny white crawlers were in the soil eating the roots despite trying to be organic I bought a spray for the soil and things imporved dramatically. Just a suggestion...Linda in Mississauga Ont.