I bought a Chinese Elm Bonsai while vacationing in Florida. It is about 16 inches tall and the trunk is about 1 1/2" wide. It was used to being outdoors, but after I bought it, I brought it back to the apartment I was renting and have kept it indoors for the last two weeks. After bringing it home, I pruned it because it had long growth all over it. I also sprayed it with "Garden Safe" fungicide 3 by Schultz. It is a Neem Oil spray. It has been living inside for the last two weeks with the air conditioning on, instead of living outdoors. I live in Michigan and will be taking it there next week and will be keeping it indoors all of the time.
My problem is that this Bonsai is dropping leaves constantly. The leaves are turning yellow and when I touch them, they drop off. They are not curled up or dry and crusty, they just turn yellow and drop off. There is also a lot of new growth on the tree, but even some of the new little leaves turn yellow within a couple of days and fall off. At first I thought it was in shock because of the change in temperature, pruning, and fungicide spray. But for two weeks now, it is really dropping leaves like crazy and I am beginning to get worried. When the yellow leaves fall off, they are either all yellow or have just a few green spots on them. In another week I have to put it in the car and transport it to Michigan where I live. I have successfully owned two other bonsai's for three years -- one Ficus and one Scheffelera (sp?).
Can you tell me what I might be able to do to stop the leaves from falling off my new Chinese Elm. I am losing about 15-20 leaves a day, and I'm afraid if it doesn't stop, my tree will die.
Thanks,
Kathren