Why does my bonsai tree dry up even after I've watered it?
Question:I've had this tree for just a few months. I dont think I over watered it. I'm afraid fungus might be killing the roots. How do I save my tree?
Answers:
I hope you can save the bonsai tree. I don't know how to solve the fungus problem in the roots. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Good Luck.
Bonsai needs watered almost every two days or so. Your bonsai may also be suffering from a spider mite infestation. This will make your bonsai appear to be drying up because the mites are literally sucking the life out of it. Spider mites look like someone sprinkled pepper on the plant, they are very small and hard to see. A juniper type bonsai commonly suffers from mites. I use an indoor safe insecticide once a month on mine to keep them at bay. The insecticide can be bought at Wal-Mart, Lowe's, or Home Depot or any place like that. I hope this helps for you too. Good Luck! :)
Check out BonsaiSite.com and ask the experts. Different trees require different methods of treatment. It might be fungus or bugs eating the roots of your plant. Or even a disease.
All the answers you receive are worthless until you know the species of tree. You may send a photo or description of the foliage to me at:
wchoat@american-bonsai.com and I'll send you care instructions for that particular species. You may also want to look at the Bonsai Care page of my website:
http://www.american-bonsai.com
On any plant (bonsai or otherwise), never set up a watering schedule, but water only when it needs it. That's why you need to know the species so you can determine if it likes to be moist or almost dry. Most trees like to be moist, but never soaking wet.
With Bonsais overwatering is far more common than under, but it depends entirely on factors like species, soil, size, placement and location. Need to know these details before a definitive answer can be arrived at. Many folks make the mistake of believing Bonsais can live quite happily indoors, some can, but most need sun at least part of the time.
Anyway, besides the above questions, what are the symptoms? Is the soil dry? Are the leaves wilting?
Bonsais are not a type of tree, they are simply stunted versions of normal species and as such should be cared for much as a full sized version of the species.
In the absence of any information, I can only suggest getting a good book which has details of the various species commonly used.
Good luck!
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