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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2007 10:17:31 GMT
My new bonsai has put on a bit of new growth, but it has also lost a few leaves. I'm watering daily when it feels dry, and it's in a bright sunny windowsill (although no direct sun after about 10 o'clock. I'm just wondering, is the leaf drop because it has been moved? I think I read somewhere that bonsai are fairly sensitive to change in their environment, or am I doing something wrong??  |
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Post by carolann on Sept 4, 2007 15:33:09 GMT
Hi Rosemother, I'm not an expert but have had bonsai trees. Is it an indoor or outdoor tree that you have? I water mine when they feel light, I stand them in a bowl of tepid water and leave for 30 mins, I dont put them in a sunny window but just to the side of one. The leaf drop could be the temp change, it is going a lot cooler at night now so it could be that. Hope its OK.
Carol.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2007 19:57:02 GMT
Thanks carol  It's an indoor chinese elm. I've been watering it in the way you describe, so I know it's not water stress  . I've given it a tidy up, and I'll feed it tomorrow and see what happens. |
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Post by andy on Sept 7, 2007 16:01:20 GMT
RM....indoor bonsai are notoriously difficult to keep for any length of time. I've grown some stunning outdoor bonsai for years but i can't keep them inddors even with the luxury of a heated conservatory.
In the house, they are extremely sensitive to changes in light, water, humidity and temperature.....all of which fluctuate badly indoors.
A daily spray with tepid water and standing on a tray of moist gravel will provide better humidity and watering almost daily will be needed. A weekly liquid feed....miracle grow for example, will also be needed.
If any of the shoots start to get long, cut them back with a sharp pair of scissors to maintain the original shape.
Your initial leaf loss may just be down to the change in environment and if you give your elm plenty of TLC, new shoots should emerge in no time.
Good luck
Andy
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2007 20:50:01 GMT
Thanks Andy. Could I put my bonsai outside? Also, is it supposed to shed its leaves in autumn? Can't find any relevant info. I don't want to kill it!!! |
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Post by andy on Sept 8, 2007 4:30:19 GMT
Chinease elms are semi-hardy...we have some fairly large specimens grown as street trees here in Brighton and they've been here for a few decades. Personally, i wouldn't risk it as the roots may get too frosted.
They, like all elms, decidious but i'm not sure how it would be indoors. The problem with indoors is that we have almost reversed seasons....
In summer, we try to keep things as cool as possible (air con, fans etc) and also try to shade our house from the sun so it is fairly dark.
In winter, we have lights on from 4pm and blast out the heating giving an almost summer feel to the plants
Hope this helps a bit
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. I've given it a tidy up, and I'll feed it tomorrow and see what happens.