How to look after a bonsai tree UK – General Bonsai Tree Care
- Place your bonsai on a humidity tray. This will catch the water draining through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This water will create some humidity around your bonsai, especially when the central heating is on. Please take care that the tray does not overflow onto your furniture and make sure that your bonsai does not sit in the water. If bonsai sit in water this can rot the roots and the bonsai tree can become weak.
- To maintain the artistic grace and beauty of your bonsai it will need to be pruned regularly. Once new shoots have grown to about 2-3cm, using a sharp pair of bonsai scissors carefully cut back to the first pair of new leaves. If your bonsai gets out of shape, Spring is the best time to hard prune and remove all those straggly shoots. Initially the bonsai may look a little bare, but with just a few weeks it should be covered in new young shoots.
Good daylight is essential to the health of a bonsai.
- During winter place your bonsai in the brightest place possible, trying to avoid hot objects like radiators and televisions. In summer time beware of hot south facing windows, a little sunlight morning or evening is beneficial, but too much and your bonsai could over heat. Basically, your bonsai needs a position with good daylight but out of direct sunlight.
Watering is the most important part of looking after a bonsai tree.
- Check your bonsai morning and evening to see if it needs watering. If the soil looks dark and feels wet then it will not require watering. Only when the soil looks light brown and feels damp will your bonsai require more water. Water thoroughly all over the soil until the water drains through into a tray or saucer. Never let your bonsai dry out and avoid keeping it constantly wet. The soil should go from wet to damp between watering. Remember the hotter the position the more water your bonsai will use. If the soil surface becomes hard during hot weather simply submerge your bonsai in water, to cover the soil surface, for about ten minutes. Then allow to drain.
- Misting the bonsai regularly with water can also help keep you bonsai healthy. Please spray the leaves and branches with water from a mister to increase the humidity around the bonsai.
We always recommend feeding your bonsai.
- Please feed with a bonsai fertiliser, other general plant foods can be too strong for the bonsai and may scorch the roots. If using a liquid bonsai feed I would recommend feeding once a week to once a fortnight during the spring, summer and autumn. Reduce the feeding to approximately once a month in mid-winter when it is barely growing. It is particularly important to feed flowering bonsai. Bonsai, like the Serissa for example, are very hungry trees and rely on you for their nutrients. You will notice yellowing of the leaves if the bonsai is deficient in nutrients.
The following are all great examples of indoor bonsai.
Please click on the image for more specific information about the different bonsai species.
How to prune your indoor bonsai:
How do I water my indoor bonsai tree?
How do I feed my indoor bonsai?
How to look after a Bonsai Tree UK |Bonsai Tree Care with Lloyd Noall (Bonsai Direct)
If you have any questions relating to your bonsai please enter your comments below and we shall reply shortly.
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Small Bonsai Pruning Scissors – Great Value£5.49 -
The Bonsai Direct Care Handbook£4.99 -
Bonsai Mist – 300ml spray£11.99 -
Ceramic Bonsai Drip Tray/Humidity Tray – Various sizes£7.99 – £9.99 -
Liquid Bonsai Fertiliser (T92)£8.99 – £10.99 -
Beginners Bonsai Care Kit – The Essentials£14.99 -
Premium Watering Can 0.7L – Choose the colour£12.99 -
Bonsai Drip/Humidity Tray – 3 sizes available£6.99 – £9.99 -
Beginners Bonsai Basics – Great Care Essentials for all Bonsai Varieties£19.99
Garry –
Hey, this may seem like a silly question, but i have just brought my first ever Bonsai tree a Oriental Lacebark Elm (Chinese Elm) and on the roots is some copper wire. Do i need to take this out or leave it?
Also im unsure if the Bonsai will ever need repotting and if so how do i tell when?
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Garry,
When we re-pot a bonsai we wire the bonsai into the pot.
This helps prevent the bonsai from rocking in the pot whilst the new roots become established.
We usually leave the wire because it holds the bonsai in the pot during transport and it is now entirely up to you whether you remove this or not. It has now done its job! There is absolutely no harm in leaving it there and it usually helps the bonsai.
All bonsai will need re-potting or root pruning at some stage to prevent the roots from getting pot bound.
I would recommend every other summer. If the bonsai has grown considerably please re-pot into a larger pot (you can also do this sooner if you would like the bonsai to get larger). However, if the bonsai looks fine in its current pot simply root prune slightly every other year and put some fresh bonsai soil around the root ball.
We have produced a DVD about re-potting and root pruning if you are a little daunted in 2 years time: http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/item/2351/bonsai-dvd—re-potting—root-pruning
Great question, many thanks.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
arran –
hi im a beginer got a chinese elm is it good place to put on window seal it say not in direct sunlight but surely it needs some sun on its leaves and do i leave water in the tray aslong as i seprate it with stones from pot .
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Arran,
Thank you for your enquiry. A windowsill can be a great place for a bonsai for most of the year. It would get good daylight there but could also suffer from scorch in the middle of summer, so I would recommend a cooler location during mid summer if the window you are talking about gets hot.
kind regards
Sarah
arran –
what do they mean by not direct sunlight what about trees in the wild how do the stay out of direct sunlight
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Arron,
Trees in the wild can get their water from long roots under ground, bonsai reply on you giving them water so this is why we recommend a position out of direct sun. In a very hot position during mid summer you may need to water 4 times a day and the bonsai will not be able to transpire quickly enough to take up this water. Please move the bonsai to a cooler place in mid summer.
arran –
if you email me i can attach where i put in a bay window
Bonsai Direct –
If the bay window faces south it will still be too hot during summer but perfect for the rest of the year.
arran –
also shall i leave water in humidity tray if i serprate the pot from the tray with pebbbles
Bonsai Direct –
Yes, Please leave some water in the tray. You have the right idea – if you want to leave some water in the tray this helps keep the humidity up round the bonsai – this is especially good when the central heating is on.
However, you are correct in suggesting standing on pebbles. If the bonsai stood directly in water the roots would rot over a period of time.
arran –
and on my branches there tiny bit of green algae on the end what do i do leave it or ???
Bonsai Direct –
Generally algae or lichen is just a sign of good air quality. You are welcome to send us a photo – please send to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk and we can check it out.
arran –
also some green leafs fallen off dont no weather this is because ive just been sent it and its still stressed please could someone help me out with my questions today will be very grate full
Bonsai Direct –
It is very normal to lose some of the older leaves (not usually the growing tips) within the first 3 weeks of having a new bonsai. The bonsai simply re-acclimatises and at this time of year the new shoots will open quickly. Please keep and eye on the watering and make sure your bonsai does not dry out. Water when the soil feels barely damp to the touch. I hope this helps and happy bonsai growing!
Nan Wilson –
Thanks – I got one for a Christmas gift and the leaves are dropping off -maybe it needs more water
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Nan,
If the leaves are going crispy and dry this is caused by a lack of water,
kind regards
Sarah
arran –
emailing you some pictures now the suns on one side of window so not to sure weather to put it in the sun or on the oppisite side where the sun hasnt reach yet till later on in the day many fanks arran
arran –
emailed you some pics my window is south facing i think could you email me back ask few questions just sent it to you should have it soon cheer again
arran –
my windows a south westly facing window let me no witch side you think i should put my bonsai on my bay window you should of got few pics
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Arran,
I think for this time of year I would position the bonsai to the right of the bay window so that they get the evening sun and will not get too hot.
You may prefer to move the Chinese Elm Bonsai to the left during winter so they get more sun.
I think the slight discolouration is just while the bonsai re-acclimatizes; I would not worry about it unless it gets worse.
You are correct, only water when the soil feels barely damp and then water really well until the water comes out of the holes at the bottom.
If you find it easier you can stand the bonsai in the sink with water for a couple of minutes when they require watering.
Do not water when the soil is wet because you could over water.
I hope this helps
all the best
Sarah
Bonsai Direct
Chris –
Hi i have got a pack of juniper bonsai seeds what is my best way about planting and looking after them is there any food that i need and do i need tools for this stage?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Chris,
Thank you for your enquiry.
The germination rate for Junipers is relatively low and very slow so I would recommend sowing all the seeds.
There are different theories about stratification – with some seeds you need to cold treat them (in the freezer) for a period of weeks or months prior to sowing.
The company you brought the seed from should be able to advise you about the best stratification method for the seeds to have.
After stratification I would sow the seeds in a seed compost and just keep the soil moist; keep them outside – this could take months.
I am not overly experienced about sowing Juniper seeds – we tend to take cuttings due to their difficulty!
Sorry I cannot be more help
kind regards
Sarah
mo –
All the leave have falling of my bonsia. I dont know if l have over watered, but at the ends off the branches l do have green tips growing l am hoping that it will recover.
Can you tell me what l have done wrong.
Regards
mo
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Mo,
Thank you for your enquiry.
It is not uncommon for some leaves to drop as we enter winter; this is usually followed by a growth period.
Is it just the old leaves which are dropping or the new growing tips too?
Over-watering is usually recognisable by the tips of the leaves going brown/black.
Please could you let me know what type of bonsai you have and if possible send a photo and I shall be able to advise you further.
many thanks
Sarah
mo –
Hi sarah.
Not sure of the name had lost the card that came with it. It has normal shape leaves but with jagged edges.
Regards
mo
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Mo,
It sounds like it is a Chinese Elm (Zelcova) if the leaves are serrated.
This is an indoor bonsai and usually recovers quickly.
I hope this helps
Kind regards
Sarah
Kristina –
Hi there,
I brought my partner a bonsai tree of a thousand stars about 2-3 weeks ago now. It’s new to us, I’ve been keeping it watered and its also sat on windowsill as I’ve read this is best place in winter. Some of the leaves are turning yellow?! I just wondered what we are doing wrong?
Thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Kristina,
You are not doing anything wrong. If it is just the old leaves going yellow and not the new growing tips this is very normal when you first purchase a bonsai.
It is probably warmer in your house than in our glasshouse and the bonsai thinks it is going into spring. it will drop its old leaves and then have a growth spurt.
Just watch out for brown tips to the leaves because this is an indication of slight over-watering.
If you are worried please send us a photograph and we shall check all is well,
kind regards
Sarah
Hamber –
Hi,
i bought my bonsai 2 weeks ago approximately last time i sprayed it with water it was 3-5 days ago and my tree suddenly loses its leaves.
they are turning yellow and they are dry. as i pass my hands over the tree the leaves immediately fall.
i am scared, i care and i love my bonsaii probably care too much but i dont want it to die.
i didnt take my tree outside since i bought it, always in my room on the table near the window. sometimes i open my window is it because my room isnt warm enough?
wish i could send you a picture…
thanks!
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Hamber,
It sounds as though your bonsai has dried out a little but it could just be re-adapting to its new environment; some varieties of bonsai are more sensitive to this than others – I’m not sure what variety of bonsai you have.
If you wish to send an e-mail please send to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk and I can check the symptoms for you,
kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct
Hamber –
Thanks for the answer. I am writting to you and attaching couple of pictures to your mail…
Thanks very much!!!
Hamber –
here take a look…
one or two leaves look like plastic, they are swollen-like and glow a little bit more than the rest of the leaves…
the temperature in the city i live is around 23-25*C summer
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shamima –
Please help. All the leaves on my serissa is turning black. What am I doing wrong ?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Shamima,
Black leaves on a bonsai could be a sign of:
1. Over-watering – the black starts on the tips on the leaves and works its way up the leaf. The leaves go brown/black and are limp and the bonsai may wobbly in the pot slightly. The Serissa is a bonsai which likes to be kept fairly dry.
2. If the bonsai dried out then the leaves would go crispy and brown.
3. If the bonsai is kept somewhere very cold (ie not frost free) then the leaves could go black.
I hope this helps.
If you would like to send a photographs we could check this for you.
kind regards
Sarah
nigel –
hello i now live in Thailand could you advise me on bonsi living in constant heat 30c-39c how much water do they need also is in the sun any problem for them. thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Nigel,
thank you for your enquiry. If I am honest I do not have much experience about the types of trees which grow in Thailand.
I feel you would be better asking a local garden centre as to what thrives.
Instinct tells me that you could grow any indoor bonsai but it would just need watering more frequently and certainly checking daily for watering.
One bit of advice which may be helpful is to put the bonsai into a proportionally fairly large pot. The larger pots hold so much more water so that would reduce the frequency that you would need to water.
I am sorry I cannot be of more help
kind regards
Sarah
nigel –
thank you very much, you have answered my question. I was of the same thinking surely most plants will grow over here, and the water is now sorted i will keep the soil moist again thanks.
nigel
greta –
I have just received a Chinese Elm from you as a gift for my son. What temperature will keep it looking as good as possible for Christmas Day? Would a cool room be better than a warm one?
Many thanks for your help. Greta
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Greta,
Thank you for your order and your enquiry.
A cooler room would be ideal. Please give the bonsai plenty of light and make sure that it does not dry out.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas,
kind regards
Sarah
kim pantry –
Why are the leaves falling off?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Kim,
Please could you send me some more details.
Are the leaves changing colour? are they spotty or crispy or brown?
It is very normal if you have just purchased a bonsai for some of the old leaves to fall within the first 2-3 weeks.
the bonsai is acclimatising to its new location; this should just be the old leaves and not the new growing tips – a period of growth normally follows.
If you have a photo this would be a great help to try and work out the cause,
many thanks
Sarah
Becki –
hi i got a carmona bonsai for x mas, i have read loads of different web site on best place for them, how to water etc.. But they all slighty different things! Now i dont know how or whats the best way to keep my tree happy and well. Also i have him in my bay window its always just under 20c but there is abit of a draught is this ok or should i move him? He has lost some leaves but is growing new ones + he has some white flowers, kind regards becki
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Becki,
Thank you for your enquiry.
I agree that it can be very confusing, because many books contradict each other.
I shall attach basic care instructions below.
The Carmona is a bonsai which prefers a warm position – it sounds like your bay window would be great – nice a bright, but you are correct they do not like cold draughts.
If the bonsai is happy and growing then it is probably fine but it the weather is very cold it may be worth moving it away from the draught.
It is very normal to lose a few of the older leaves within the first few weeks whilst the bonsai re-acclimatises; it should not be the growing tips which drop.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again if you have more questions,
kind regards
Sarah
Oriental Tea Tree Bonsai
Carmona microphylla
The Oriental Tea Tree is a simple and elegant tree ideal for growing indoors. This bonsai has pretty white flowers during summer months and lovely green, shiny and waxy foliage. The leaves are unusually shaped and well proportioned. The leaves grow in neat clusters allowing the flowers and branch structure to be highly visible. A highly appealing and artistic bonsai.
• Your bonsai is a living tree and with the right care it should live for many years. We hope that your bonsai brings pleasure to your home.
• During winter place your bonsai in the brightest place possible, trying to avoid hot objects like radiators and televisions. Good daylight is essential to the trees health. In summer time beware of hot south facing windows, a little sunlight morning or evening is beneficial, but too much and your bonsai could over heat.
• To aid the health of your bonsai place it on a humidity tray. This will catch the water draining through the holes in the bottom of the bonsai pot. This water will create some humidity around your bonsai. Please take care that the tray does not overflow onto your furniture and make sure that your bonsai does not sit in the water.
• Watering is the most important part of growing bonsai. Check your bonsai morning and evening to see if it needs watering. If the soil looks dark and feels wet then it will not require watering. Only when the soil looks light brown and feels damp will your bonsai require more water. Water thoroughly all over the soil until the water drains through into a tray or saucer. Never let your bonsai dry out and avoid keeping it constantly wet. The soil should go from wet to damp between watering. Remember the hotter the position the more water your bonsai will use. If the soil surface becomes hard during hot weather simply submerge your bonsai in water, to cover the soil surface, for about ten minutes.
• To maintain the artistic grace and beauty of your bonsai it will need to be pruned regularly. Once new shoots have grown to about 2-3cm, using a sharp pair bonsai scissors carefully cut back to the first pair of new leaves.
• To keep your bonsai strong and healthy we recommend the use of a good bonsai fertiliser. Bonsai fertiliser, an informative DVD and further advice are available from our website, http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk
• A bonsai is a living work of art and seasonal changes can sometimes be experienced.
Please do not be concerned if, within 2 – 3 weeks of delivery, your bonsai shows signs of yellowing or falling leaves (normally the older leaves, not the new tips). Not all bonsai will exhibit these symptoms, but it is not uncommon. Your bonsai is simply acclimatizing to its new environment. A few leaves may drop, but within a few weeks you should notice new bright green buds starting to develop.
We take great care to prune your bonsai before it is dispatched. If the foliage looks a little thin this is purely because it has been meticulously pruned to encourage new buds to form. You will also notice that during the winter months there are fewer leaves than in spring and summer.
Becki –
Hi sarah, thank you for getting back to me. Now i know what i should be doing hopefully my carmona will live for along and happy life! Thanks again becki
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Becki,
You are most welcome, If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to ask,
all the best
Sarah
Iwona Szmal –
My carmona died:( my housemates forgot to water it when l was on holidays:( can l save it? Should l repot it?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Iwona,
If your bonsai is truly dead then I regret nothing will help.
To check if it is alive please make some small nicks in the trunk and branches with a sharp knife or thumb nail.
If the layer just beneath the bark is green then the bonsai is alive.
If it is alive please keep the soil damp (not wet) and give it plenty of daylight.
Please do not repot it.
I would take at least 2-3 months to see signs of life.
i hope this helps
kind regards
sarah – Bonsai Direct
TOM POTTER –
My indoor bonsai (Chinese Elm) 6 months old gradually lost all its leaves in early December.
No sign of any new growth yet, is this the normal winter pattern?
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Tom,
Thank you for your enquiry.
It is normal to lose a few leaves on a Chinese Elm in December but these should be the old leaves and not the new growing tips.
Did the leaves go crispy or change colour? It will take 6-8 weeks to display new buds so I would not worry that there are no new shoots.
It would be nice to establish why it dropped all its leaves.
Are you able to send a photo?
Many thanks
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Sgbonsai –
Hi, I’ve recently trimmed the roots of my fukien tea bonsai as they were root bound, the leaves have lost their shine and dropping, drying up and turning brown, have you any advice to try help my tree? Thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Thank you for your enquiry.
Generally, the tea tree prefers being re-potted in summer months so it may just be a little shocked.
Did you root prune the bonsai or simply pot it into a larger pot?
If you are able to send me a photo I can just check the symptoms for you … my e-mail address is sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Are the leaves going crispy or maybe brown and limp on the end of the leaves?
I also wondered whether when you water the bonsai you may not be watering the orginal rootball but just the new soil – this would result in the bonsai drying out.
It may be easier to water the bonsai by standing the bonsai in water for 5 mins when it requires watering – this way you know you are socking the entire root ball and not jsut the new soil.
I hope this helps
All the best
Sarah
Christina Wood –
I received a Chinese Elm for Christmas, almost all the leaves fell off in the following 2 weeks, they did not change colour or dry up, just fell off. The new leaves are starting to grow back, they are pale green and on long stems, and seem much bigger than the older leaves. I have the plant on a bright window ledge during the day, I move it at night in case it gets too cold, I have put the pot on a drip tray filled with gravel and water regularly. Is this regrowth normal and do I need to do anything to the new leaves as they start to grow. The bonsai is still looking very bare and not at all as it was when it arrived in the post.
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Christina,
You will find that as the weather improves and the daylight gets better the leaves will grow more quickly.
The drip tray with gravel sound perfect, please keep the soil damp.
the re-growth at this time of year is always larger but this reduces with pruning. Please allow approx. 4 new leaves on each shoot then pinch out the tips. New shoots will then sprout. This stops the shoots getting long and leggy – they will thicken up and come through smaller and go darker green.
All our Chinese Elms have this new growth (the first this spring) coming through now and the leaves will be larger and lighter green.
Please be patient – in 4-6 weeks your Chinese Elm could look fantastic, once they start growing they grow quickly.
Please do not over water – only water when the soil is barely damp and as more leaves grow you will find you need to water more frequently. You can start feeding the bonsai now too.
I hope this helps
Lloyd
Neil –
Hi. On inspecting the soil in my Bonsai pot today (which was rather hard and dry, even with daily watering), I discovered several small stones/pieces of grit. What is the purpose of these stones? I removed some of the bigger ones and turned the surface of the soil over a little, before watering again. My Bonsai is a Podocarpus. Many thanks.
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Neil,
This is a great question. Bonsai like a free draining soil – the grit is added to the compost to open the soil so that more air can get to the roots.
This encourages the small fibrous feeder roots which all bonsai growers are looking to develop.
The grit also helps prevent the bonsai becoming over-watered – although it does sound as though in your case this is not an issue – it may be getting close to the time that it needs repotting.
If the soil is hard and dry i would recommend watering by standing the bonsai in a sink with a few inches of water in it, for about 10 mins. This will re-wet the soil and make it easier for you to water.
I hope this helps
Kind regards
Sarah
leon –
Hi I have got a black monkeythorn bonsi tree as a gift but it is starting to lose all its leves and I don’t know what to do. do you have any idea of what I can do?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Leon,
The Black Monkey Thorn is an Acacia bonsai.
This is an outdoor bonsai and I would not expect it to have any leaves on at this time of year.
It needs to be cool so that it has a dormant rest period during winter, but they do not tolerate frost well.
Do you have an unheated location where you can put the bonsai?
It may be a bit confused this year because it should be waking up in about May.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
tina –
Hi, I have a Carmona and it didn’t have many leaves on it when I bought it about three months ago, well I woke up this morning to find the green leaves drooping, they have no discolouration on them, just drooping. I keep the soil moist as in the right amount of water. My house ranges from 14 degrees, to 20 as its on timer so drops to 14 when off. I hope I have given you all the information. Thanks.
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Tina,
I think your Carmona bonsai has got too cold.
They are a bonsai which likes to be kept on the warm side – are you able to keep it somewhere warmer?
A photo would help so we can check the symptoms.
kind regards
Sarah
tina –
Ps, I have been standing my tree in water until the soil looks wet. Is that the right thing to do? and the window it is in maybe quite cool and only gets the sun in the evening.
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Tina,
Thank you for your e-mail.
Please could you send me a photograph so we can check out the symptoms.
My e-mail address is sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct –
Yes, that’s fine – when you do water, make sure the whole root ball is wet and then only water when the soil is barely damp.
I hope this helps
david gill –
I have a well established, 4 year old, ‘Ginseng’ bonsai which i suspect has been dried out over the past 3 months. Most of the leaves are going crisp and brown and falling off. I have been feeding and watering for the past 3 weeks but no sign of any improvement. Since this problem arose i have been spraying the leaves as well as watering the soil, is this a good idea? The soil feels barley damp.
What should i do to re establish healthy growth.
Mandy Griffiths –
I recieved a minature bonsai tree about 3 weeks ago . The leaves are going dry and crispy and some have brown marks on but there is also new growth . Is this a sign of over watering or under watering ? I have been misting it too but its leaves continue to fall off.
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Mandy, Thank you for your enquiry. If you have only had the bonsai for 3 weeks it is unlikely to be over-watering. Dry crispy leaves are usually a sign that the bonsai has dried out or got too hot at some time. Please could you send me a photo so I can check this out? If this is the case please stand the bonsai water in the sink for about 5 mins. The water needs to cover the whole pot. If the bonsai has dried out, it will continue to lose leaves and then in about 6 weeks you should see new buds.
My e-mail address is sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
I hope this helps
How often do you water your bonsai?
many thanks
Sarah
Solek –
Hi,
I recently got a bonsai but I’m not sure what type it is. But the leaves are crispy and falling off very easily, I think it may have dried out. Is it possible to revive it any way? I can provide photos if it will help!
Thankyou!
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Solek,
Thank you for your enquiry. Please could you send us a photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk so that we can identify the bonsai.
If the leaves are going crispy, this is usually an indication that the bonsai has dried out or become very hot. However, it is not uncommon for some types of bonsai to lose their old leaves (not the growing tips) at this time of year. They drop the old leaves as they come into spring and then have a growth period.
I think it best that we identify your bonsai and help you from there.
If you believe it has dried out please stand in the sink with water covering the whole pot for 10 mins and then retrun to watering as normal.
Kind regards
Sarah
Megan –
I’ve bought my first bonsai today, an Acacia Erubescens (Bluethorn). I’ve watered it like suggested, yet after only having this beauty for half a day, the leaves are drooping. My question is – does this specific type droop at night, or am i just really bad with plants? Is there anything i can do to fix this if i have hurt it?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Megan,
I apologise but we do not grow Acacia, so I am unsure as to what you advise you.
If the leaves are dropping I would stand the bonsai in water, so that the water covers the pot, for about 10 mins.
I was of the belief that Acacia were outdoor bonsai and would not bee in leaf just yet so I would recommend contacting the centre from which you purchased it and getting some help.
Sorry that I do not know more,
kind regards
Sarah
Megan –
Thank you for the reply. It turns out that the leaves droop at night.
Bonsai Direct –
I believe I have been the leaves on ‘Acacia’ almost fold during the evening. That’s great that all is well.
Bonsai Direct –
Spraying is less important than watering. It is a good idea to mist the foliage once or twice a day but the most important thing is to get the watering right. We recommend touching the soil morning and evening (whilst you are learning). If the soil is wet to the touch then do not water. As soon as the soil is barely damp then soak the soil by either standing the bonsai in the sink for 5mins and covering the pot with water or by pouring water over the soil until it runs out of the holes at the bottom of the pot.
It is important not to over water you bonsai so only water when the soil is just damp.
When misting with a sprayer just makes sure all the leaves are damp.
I hope this helps
Daniel –
Does moss surrounding a bonsai tree help its growth?
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Daniel,
Moss does not affect the growth of a bonsai at all.
It looks really nice.
If it is thick it can make it very difficult to determine when you need to water the bonsai.
Hope this helps
all the best
Lloyd
Lisa –
Hi I have a pepper tree and have been using the drip feed bottles how often should I use tem as it has used one in two weeks and any other advice how to look after it would be great thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your enquiry.
I am embarrassed to admit that I have never used the drip feed bottles. We use a liquid bonsai feed which must be diluted. We feed our bonsai weekly. It sounds like it may be using to much.
Does it give an indication of the period it should last on the bottle. Please do use a bonsai feed – other feeds can be too strong for bonsai and burn the roots.
I am sorry that I am not much help.
Possible other growers may be able to advise you further.
Kind regards
Sarah
Lauren Talbot –
Hello,
I bought a chinese elm around xmas time. The tree was lovely, very green and keep growing and growing! I keep it in a cold’ish utility room, which does get some daylight. I soak approx once a week, feed it and spray the leaves with water. In february time all the leaves started to crisp and fall away. The tree is now completely bare and i have trimmed it back of all the crispy twigs. I didnt soak for approx 4-6 weeks and im worried that i have killed the tree 🙁 it is extremely dry. Can it be revived? Thank you!
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Lauren,
It is great to soak the bonsai once a week but it will need watering more frequently than this.
As soon as the soil feels barely damp then it will need a good water.
I suspect that as the daylight increased in February, it dried out even more quickly.
We are watering daily at the moment – the place where you purchased the bonsai should have told you this or provided care instructions.
Have you not given it any water for 6 weeks? If this is the case the bonsai will not have survived.
If you have been watering, then please stand the bonsai in the kitchen sink with watering covering the soil for at least 30 mins.
Then go back to checking the soil daily and water only when barely damp – it will not need as much water now it is out of leaf.
I hope this helps
all the best
Sarah
Adrian –
Hello,
Is it better to remove the leaves that have fallen off or is it better to leave them in the soil where they fall?
Many thanks
Bonsai Direct –
I would recommend removing old leaves, your bonsai will look much nicer and they could start to go mouldy with time.
I hope this helps.
Nicole –
Hello,
I got a Sageretia for my birthday 3 weeks ago. I’m read that it loves more acid soil, so I went and got some soil acidifier, giving it the recommended amount. It was growing at the top, and is continuing to grow, but more and more of the bottom leaves are becoming yellow (and sometimes brown) and falling off. It is still very evident that the bonsai is growing, so I am confused to why the leaves are falling off. I am worried that I made the soil too acidic and it’s killing it, even though I followed the directions. I keep the soil moist, but not overly wet, and mist it frequently, so I don’t think it’s an issue of watering. Could it just be stressed from being replanted 3 weeks ago? It’s not to the point where I think it’s dying, but I’m just concerned because it wasn’t as yellow when I got it.
Thank you!
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Nicole,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Please could you send us a photograph so we can check out the symptoms – How do you know it was re-potted 3 weeks ago.
I would just like to see the symptoms – are the leaves crispy at all?
Sageretia grow well and do not require a soil acidifier but hopefully the issue is unrelated.
Kind regards
Sarah
Lydia –
Hello,
I bought a bonsai from tesco a few weeks ago, it didn’t say the species on it but after much investigation I believe it is a Chinese Sweet Plum. I was confused about the watering and had been letting the soil fully dry out before watering. It is now looking very unhappy, many of the leaves are becoming yellow and crispy and falling off, however many still look healthy. I am worried that it is dying because I have allowed it to dry out, will I be able to save it? Also, the care instructions it came with said to fill pot it came in with water from the bottom not to water it from the top, is this wrong? They also said to feed it but I’m not sure what the appropriate food is? Thank you for your time.
Kind regards
Lydia
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Lydia,
thank you for your enquiry.
If you could send a photo then we can just check the bonsai variety.
My e-mail address is sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
It sounds as though it has dried out if the leaves have gone crispy.
Please be patient – it takes 6-8 weeks to recover.
During this time I would not feed the bonsai – wait until it is strong again before you feed and then use a bonsai feed such as the one in the link below:
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/item/1851/liquid-bonsai-fertiliser–t92-
Only water when the soil is barely damp – and then water well.
It does not matter how you do this – you could stand the bonsai in water or water from the top or bottom
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Georgia –
I bought my boyfriend a Chinese elm bonsai for Xmas 2012. For a few months is was thriving with lots of greenery and was covered in leave with new shoots growing every week. However, a couple of months ago we moved and the bonsai started loosing its leave gradually. We was concerned but put it down to the temperature change in the room. It suddenly lost literally all it’s leaves and is completely bare and we don’t know what to do! There seems to be a few new shoots but they don’t seem to be growing very fast. Is there anything we’re doing wrong? We feed it weekly and water it regularly. Any help or advice given will be much appreciated. Thankyou!
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Georgia.
Please could you let me know if the leave changed colour or went crispy when they started dropping?
If you are able to send a photograph that would really help.
My e-mail address is sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
It is good that there a re new shoots – the Chinese Elm is good a recovering from a shock.
It would be nice to identify what has happened.
It will take up to 6-8 weeks for it to fully recover, so please be patient.
Give the bonsai as much light as possible and keep the soil damp.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Georgia,
Thank you for the photos.
I believe the bonsai has definitely dried out. The crispy leaves would indicate this.
To check if it is alive please make some small nicks in the trunk and branches with a sharp knife.
If the layer beneath the bark is green then the bonsai is alive – please give the bonsai plenty of light and keep the soil damp.
You need to give the bonsai at least 6-8 weeks to re-bud.
I hope this helps
Georgia –
Thankyou so much for your help. I’ve made a small cut on the trunk and it’s bright green inside. Thankyou again for helping me identify the problem, I really appreciate it 🙂
Tina –
Hi I currently have 4 bonsai trees and absolutely love them if I send you pics would you possibly tell me what they are please as it didn’t specify when i bought them also any advice on pruning would be helpful as the new branches are growing a bit wild and quick lol… thank you for reading 🙂
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Tina,
Yes, of course. Please send the photos and I shall try and identify the bonsai for you.
Kind regards
Sarah
Rachel –
My juniper bonsai has lost some color and there are some brown spots. Is there something wrong with it? What should I do?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Rachel,
Please could up send us a photo. If you are unable to upload it here please e-mail me sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk so that we can check out the symptoms.
Thanks
Sarah
Gwyneth –
Major dilema! I had a friend take care of my bonsai for a couple of months, it was doing amazingly, until I saw it yesterday, and I was horrified!! The watering tray was full to the brim with water, the soil was drenched, and the leaves have completely wilted. I poured all the excess water out, and set him down in a warm spot to help the soil dry a little. But, after checking today, the leaves are looking even worse, they are now drying up and looking ready to drop. What can I do?? Or have I lost my poor bonsai intirely? Thankyou in advance.
Gwyneth –
Should just ad, I am not entirely sure, but I believe my tree is a ficus.
Bonsai Direct –
It sounds like your bonsai may have dried out and that your friend is trying to compensate and soak the soil.
I’m afraid if the leaves have gone crispy it is likely that they will all drop off.
Providing it hasn’t totally dried out you should see new buds in about 4-6 weeks.
Please water as you used to and do not stand in water.
Please be patient,
Kind regards
Sarah
Beenz –
Hello. I recently brought a bonsai tree. After few days I noticed its leaves falling off. I live in Hot climate country and I have placed my bonsai indoor. I have placed it beside the window which receives sunlight in the morning for 2 or 3 hours and then normal day light. I still see its leaves falling. I am new to bonsai. Please help me. I don’t know the type of bonsai I have but if you would require, I can send its pic to u. Awaiting for ur reply.
Bonsai Direct –
You are welcome to send us a photo so we can try to identify the bonsai and work out what might be wrong. Are the leaves going crispy?
all the best
Sarah
Beenz –
Thank u Sarah for replying me. Can u share the email addresss where I can send u my bonsai pic? Well initially the leaves were green and falling but now I note, some of the leaves are turning brown before falling down. I check the soil layer daily to know if its dry.. Plus I am also giving it outside air daily. Since it is placed near to window, I open the window for little time daily. But my bonsai does not look happy:(
Bonsai Direct –
Of course, please send the photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk and we shall take a look.
Nick Toye –
Hi, I am just starting out with a Bonsai, I believe it is a Chinese Elm, but it didn’t say on the label. There is a lot of green moss on the soil around the tree, but it was like this when bought so I assume that is ok. I also bought a feed tube called Drop by Drop, and it says to place the feed bottle upside down in the soil and replace when empty. Is that right? Nick
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Nick,
You are correct, the moss does not do any harm and looks really pretty. Just ensure that when you check your bonsai for water you check the soil beneath the moss to see if the soil is damp or wet.
I regret I have not heard of Drop by Drop – please make sure it is a bonsai feed – other fertiliser can be too strong and burn the roots.
If you would like us to identify the bonsai please send us a photo.
I hope you enjoy it,
kind regards
Sarah
Emma –
I am not sure what type my bonsai is but this week the smaller branches have dropped down, it is watered when it starts to dry out and is still damp enough at the moment, also fed regularly! Is there a way I can send a picture and ge advice? I don’t want to lose it!!
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Emma,
Yes please send a photo to lloyd@bonsaidirect.co.uk and I shall take a look,
kind regards
Lloyd
Fernanda –
My carmona bonsai has died. I was my first bonsai and I put too much water. I heard that if you cut a bit of the branch and if she is brown, not green this means that she id dead. Also if you cut the roots a bit she will might come back to like again. She does not have any leaves and the branch looks really dry. Is anything else I can do it for she comes back to life again. this was 3 weeks ago and she was 3 years old. Thanks
Bonsai Direct –
If the cambium layer beneath the bark is brown then the bonsai has died and I regret nothing you will do can help the bonsai.
If this layer is green then this is great news and you should send a photo to us so that we can advise you further.
A bonsai can recover from no leaves on most occasions (providing the cambium layer is green), however I would not advise root pruning unless the bonsai is strong and healthy,
I hope this helps,
kind regards
Sarah
Tahira janin –
I recently purchased a bonais elm about 1 week ago it came from holland but the leaves are going yellow very quick and I am keeping the soil damp and it the water tray has water in it with pebbles all the time and it is getting filtered sunlight from the kitchen windowsill as the garden has huge trees which I think block direct sunlight, please can u tell me what I am doing wrong, thank you
Bonsai Direct –
You may not be doing anything wrong – it may be simply be re-acclimatising to its new location. Are both the old and new leaves affected? When a bonsai adjusts to its new position it can loose a few of the old leaves (not the new growing tips). These then bud back over 3-4 weeks and the bonsai will produce a new flush of foliage. I hope this helps, Kind regards Sarah
sarah –
Hi, I am new to bonsai and have recently got a Zanthoxylum (pepper plant) 4-5 years old. I have noticed that it has tiny white bug shells on it, also when I watered it recently the leaves have gone very limp! Not sure if I’ve over watered or if the bugs have effected it. The tree is kept out of direct sunlight but in a warm living room. If you can tell me what I’m doing wrong that would be great.
Regards Sarah
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Sarah,
It sounds as though you are keeping the bonsai in the correct position. Please could you send me a photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk and I shall check this out. It may be a good idea to spray with a plant invigorator (this would also treat any pest).
https://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/item/4582/sb-plant-invigorator—500ml-ready-to-use-trigger-spray
Kind regards
Sarah
normam –
Hi my bonsai leaves are brown and is in living room in 16 c temperature, i moved it from conservatory to living room from June 2013 because the conservatory was to hot for it and the leaves are sill brown I water it one week and fertilizer it once a week at same time why are the any green leaves yet I am moving back to the conservatory for the winter time what am I doing wrong pleases let me know
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Norman,
It sounds as though your bonsai either dried out or became scorched in the very hot weather in June – is this right? Please can you tell me what sort of bonsai it is please or send a photo to info@bonsaidirect.co.uk. I would check to see if the bonsai is still alive – make some small nicks in the trunk with a sharp knife. You need to check if the layer beneath the bark is brown or green.
I look forward to hearing from you,
kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Norman,
the other thing I forgot to mention is that you need to water you bonsai when it is barely damp (and then soak it).
In hot weather this will be every day.
In a hot conservatory it maybe twice a day – I think your bonsai dried out.
kind regards
Sarah
normam –
Hi sent you some pictures to your email address my email hope you got them
Michael –
I am new to the Bonsai world. I dont even know what kind it is. Can you help?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Michael,
Yes, of course.
Please send a photo and we shall identify the bonsai for you.
Our e-mail address is info@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Many thanks
Sarah
Cecilia –
Hello Sarah,
I have a Sweet Plum bonsai and over night the leaves when completely dry. The leaves would fall off as soon as I touched them. I did not let the soil dry out and I also did not do anythign differently. I live in North America and now it is approaching the winder season (but I keep my bonsai indoors). I have no idea what happened 🙁
Could it be that all the leaves have dried out because of the change in season, even though it is indoors?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Cecilia,
The are very few things which will make the leaves go dry and crispy overnight.
1. The bonsai has dried out (even for a short time).
2. It is so hot that the tree cannot move the water around the bonsai quickly enough to get water to the leaves.
3. Rarely, air freshener has been used and causes these symptoms.
The old leaves can drop at this time of year, but they do not go dry and it would not been the new growing shoots.
You are very welcome to drop us a photo.
Please e-mail sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk with any images,
I hope we can identify what has happened,
For now please do not feed the bonsai and keep the soil damp.
Give the bonsai plenty of natural daylight.
kind regards
Sarah
Sandra –
Hello! 6weeks ago I purchased a beautiful Ficus macrocarpa Ginseng Bonsai from Ikea- a very healthy tree- large and full of leaves. Over the course of the following weeks I have watered it, taking care not to over or under water and I spray it daily. It is in a well lit, warm hall and no in direct sunlight. It loses about 20 leaves overnight! It has a lot of new growth on the top but is looking quite poorly everywhere else. Really sad! Please can you advise as soon as possible. Thank you!
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Sandra,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Are the leaves changing colour or going crispy?
The fact that the top of the bonsai is ok makes me wonder if there is enough light on the lower branches.
Ficus bonsai are usually very tolerant of lower light levels so this is unlikely.
I wonder if you could send me some photos and I shall check out the symptoms.
My e-mail address is sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk.
I shall then be in a better position to help you,
best wishes
Sarah
Sandra –
Sarah…thank you. I will email pictures now
Rochelle –
hi Sarah,
i bought a serissa 3 months
ago. Nothing has gone seriously wrong with the tree, but I move it in and outdoors twice a day every day to give it some natural sunlight but also protect it from the excessive rainfall we have had recently. I’ve read you shouldn’t move Serissas around too much. What is the worst that could happen if I continued shifting it in and out of doors daily?
Thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Rochelle,
At this time you year in the UK it would be too cold to put the Serissa outside. The bonsai would think it was autumn and become deciduous and drop its leaves.
Large temperature fluctuations can also do this. I have a feeling from your e-mail address that you are not in the UK, so this may not be a problem at all.
You are correct – the serissa likes to be on the dry side so protecting from over-watering is good. It also likes to be outside in our summers.
Kind regards
Sarah
Heather –
Hello,
I received a Tea Tree bonsai as a gift last year. It thrived for some time, bloomed over the spring and summer, but it seems to be failing now. Since winter has arrived it has been difficult to find a “sunny” but not too drafty space in our older home. The tree’s leaves began to wilt, and then some leaves began to dry up.
I tried moving it from the window and offering it fertilizer, but I think I have harmed its roots. One side of it turned black within a few days, and the leaves are entirely dried out on that side. The other side is almost entirely wilted except for one branch, which looks healthy.
Can you tell me what you might do to help a tree that is in this condition? Or is it too late to help this tree?
Thank you,
Heather
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Heather,
Black leaves are usually a sign of getting very cold or over-watering.
Please could you send us some photos and we shall check this for you,
many thanks
Lloyd
Emma –
Hi I was bought a bonsai in the middle of October. I believe it to be a Chinese elm although it didn’t come with a description. Every time I prune it all the old leaves go yellow and fall off. There is plenty of new growth but barely any old leaves. I was wondering if it needs feeding more often. I currently feed it once a month with a proper bonsai food. I would be grateful for any advice you could give me.
Kind regards
Emma
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Emma,
We feed our bonsai weekly with a bonsai food; especially the Chinese Elms because they grow fairly fast.
Please could you send me a photo and we shall identify the bonsai for you.
You need to keep the new foliage pruned to encourage ‘back budding’.
If you pinch out the growing tips of the leaves this will encourage new leaves further back down the branches.
At the moment all the hormones are at the tips.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
bex Dawson –
Please help. We got a tree for xmas quite alot of leaves have fallen off. Looked at the pot its in and it doesn’t have any drainage holes….???? Does it need them!??
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Bex,
It is not uncommon for a bonsai to lose leaves during the first 3 weeks of arrival; it is re-acclimatising to its new location.
However, if the pot has no holes you will always be at risk of over-watering the bonsai. I would never advise growing bonsai in pots without drainage holes.
Do you know what variety it is – if you would like to send a photo please do and we can identify the bonsai and take a look at the symptoms,
many thanks
Lloyd
Leah –
I have root pruned my bonsai and the leaves are turning yellow and falling off. I have a Zelkova and was wondering whether this was normal or not after cutting the roots. If it isn’t, what should I do??
Bonsai Direct –
How much of the root ball did you remove?
It could be stress if you have removed a lot of root.
Zelcova recover fairly quickly.
If you are worried please send a photo and we can take a look,
many thanks
Sarah
Leah –
Hi Sarah
I sent you an email with an image of my Zelkova bonsai, please could you have a quick look.
Many thanks,
Leah
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Leah,
After re-potting did you soak the whole root ball? We recommend standing the bonsai in water, so that it covers the soil surface for about 5 mins.
It maybe worth doing this because I suspect that the original root ball may have dried out and it is just the new soil which is moist.
Do you think this could have happened?
many thanks
Sarah
Leah –
I didn’t do this. I’ll try it out, thank you
Leah
Helen –
Hi
Can you help we bought a bonsai tree a few months back, can remember the name of it. It is a large bonsai. Not sure if we’re doing anything wrong but it has constantly been losing leaves. However it is growing new one. The leaves it losing are old and new ones. It gets watered everyday, mist spray on the leaves as well. We have is still at the front window on the floor but on a movable plinth as we have underfloor heating. Didn’t want it sitting directly on the floor. Any help with this would be very much appriaciated.
Many thanks
Helen
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Helen,
Please could you send a photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk so we can identify it and give you advice.
kind regards
Sarah
Helen –
Hi Sarah
Just sent you an email with picture of bonsai.
Regards
Helen
Anthea Matley –
Hi
I was given a group of bonsai figs for Christmas which were doing really well until I went away for two weeks over summer. On my return it was very, very dry but the leaves still green and soft but limp. Even after submerging in water a couple of times the leaves are still limp. Will it recover?
Appreciate any help.
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Anthea,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Only time will tell. I know this sounds vague but you have done exactly the right thing by submerging the figs.
Please keep the soil just damp (not wet) and give it time.
The recovery will depend on how far it dried out.
Usually a bonsai will drop its leaves (they go dry and crispy) if it has dried out. It does this to save the roots, trunk and branches.
Hopefully new shoots will appear in 2-3 months.
Sorry I cannot be of more help,
kind regards
Sarah
Ricci –
Hi would appreciate your help please. I think my bonzai has been over watered. It’s not looking well. I tried the small cuts you suggested and it looks brown underneath. Does that mean its a lost cause? 🙁
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Ricci,
Unfortunately if the cambium layer, beneath the bark, is brown then the bonsai is not alive,
I am sorry,
kind regards
Sarah
Margaret Daniels –
I was given a Bonsai for my Christmas and I love it. I have been reading all your advice and although it lost most of its leaves it grew new ones and is now looking lovely. The problem I have is when I go on holiday how do I keep it watered? I go for sometimes one and sometimes two weeks. I have no-one near to look after it when I go away. Thanks in advance.
Margaret Daniels –
Sorry I should have said it is a Chinese Elm.
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Margaret,
Thank you for your enquiry.
If you go away for a week or less please stand the bonsai in the kitchen sink with water covering half way up the pot.
This will over-water the bonsai but it is better than letting it dry out.
Ideally for any longer than a week you need someone to look after it for you.
I would be concerned if you sat it in water for a longer period that the roots could start to rot.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Margaret Daniels –
Thank you I will take your advice for the week away and for any longer I will perhaps get a colleague to look after it.
Yahia –
Hi I just bought a zanthoxylum piperitum, but it didn’t have any bonsai fertiliser so I am not sure what to do. I have a humidity tray full of water. Is that okay. What is the maximum temperature that the zanthoxylum piperitum can handel.
Bonsai Direct –
Thanks for your enquiry. I would recommend buying some bonsai fertiliser for your Pepper Tree. Please mkae sure that there is only a little water in the humidity tray – you do not want the bonsai to sit in water because it will rot the roots. Obviously the hotter the temperature the more frequently you will need to water it. In the summer our glasshouse can exceed temperatures of 40oC and the bonsai are fine but please do not let it dry out.
I hope this helps
kind regards
sarah
Yahia –
I got a liquid fertiliser for the pepper tree but I don’t know how to use it.
Bonsai Direct –
Please can you let us know what sort of bonsai feed you have – is it solid if liquid. Please let us know the make? Does it have instructions on the packaging?
Yahia –
My zanthoxylum piperitum is 5 years old
Astrid –
I’ve had an indoor Serissa Foetida in the UK since December now and it’s growing very well. Which month will it flower? And what is the best time to hard prune it in order to promote maximum flowering?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Astrid,
The Serissa usually flower late summer to autumn but I have known them flower at any time of year.
If you prune harder early spring and then be careful not to prune any flower buds off in the summer; summer pruning can stop the flower buds developing.
Please keep the soil just damp; Serissa do not like to be wet and feed with bonsai feed to promote flowering.
I hope this helps,
Kind regards
Lloyd
James Gue –
Can you recommend any VISUAL guide to pruning a Gingko biloba (book, dvd, online video etc)
Bonsai Direct –
Hi James,
I am sorry but I do not know of any reference which covers the Gingko.
I am sorry we cannot help,
Kind regards
Verity
David lambie –
I bought my first bonsi tree a few months back however the leaves are going dry and falling off have you any idea what i may be doing wrong ?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear David, do you think it could be too hot or have dried out at some point? These are the only reasons for dry leaves. Please could you send a photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk special offer we can advise you further.
Many thanks
Sarah
ellie –
What do I do if my bonsai tree has yellow leaves ?
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Ellie,
Please send me a photo and we shall try to establish the cause – often this is seasonal or due to poor daylight.
kind regards
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
John Macaulay –
I just bought my 1st bonsai tree and I’ve no idea if it’s unhealthy or what kind can u help ???
Bonsai Direct –
Yes, please upload a photo and I shall identify it for you and advice on care,
kind regards
Sarah
Ellie –
I’ve been given a bonsai (Chinese Elm I think) The pot that it came in has no holes for drainage and I’m worried about water sitting at the bottom and rotting the roots, is it a wise idea to repot the tree or should I drill holes in the existing pot or just leave as is?
Also it seems to shed leaves quite quickly, normally I find brown dried leaves every few days, it is still sprouting a lot though, is this down to me possibly not watering enough or is it normal to shed so much?
At the moment it is on a windowsill that gets sun in the afternoon/evenings, could it be that the spot is too sunny?
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Ellie,
At this time of year the sunnier the better – you may need to move your bonsai to a cooler position during the summer months.
The fact that it has new shoots is great – it is probably the old leaves which are dropping. If this is the case the I think this is a seasonal change and nothing to worry about.
If the new growing tips are affected then you are probably not watering enough.
You are welcome to send me a photo.
I am very concerned about the pot. It is essential to have holes in the pot.
I am wondering if you have a plastic pot inside the ceramic pot cover. Please can you check.
These bonsai are very hard to water correctly and it is essential to make sure that the bonsai does not sit in water – the roots could rot.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
sally webb –
can you please tell me;when I water my bonsai tree do I need to spray the leaves of the tree or do I just keep the roots watered?from sally webb
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Sally,
You need to check the soil daily for water. Only water the soil when the soil is barely damp to the touch.
If the soil is wet please do not water; over-watering can cause the roots to rot.
If you would like to mist the leaves in addition to checking the water this is great and can be done daily.
I would recommend you use a bonsai fertiliser. Baby Bio is too strong and can result in the roots burning.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Bonsai Direct Team
sally webb –
also,i feed my bonsai with baby bio mixed with rain water.is this o.k or do I need a proper bonsai feed? from sally webb
Denise –
My son bought me a bonsai tree yesterday for my birthday. Not sure what variety it is, and I haven’t a clue how to take care of it!
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Denise,
How lovely; I hope you enjoy it. If it was a bonsai delivered by ourselves when there will be care instructions with the variety of bonsai within the box.
If not please could you send a photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk and we can identify it for you and send you the correct care details.
Kind regards
Sarah
margaret vernon –
i live in Spain and as my spanish is not that good,i could not ask then the name,but it about 3 foot high and has a curly trunk,with clumps of leaves, do you know what sort it may be,and does it help to mist the leaves it cost me 80 euros so i dont want to lose it,its in a very well light room,but the room will get very warm in summer,and also cold in winter,thank you mags
Bonsai Direct –
Thanks Mags,
Are you are able to upload a photo or e-mail sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk and we can try and identify the bonsai you have.
Misty the foliage, in addition to checking the soil for water, is great. Especially if it is very hot – it helps maintain the humidity!
I shall await the photo because it is not possible to identify without it,
This link may help with identification – if you click on the boxes they have close ups of each leaf type.
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/p/indoor-bonsai-tree-care-and-identification
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
margaret vernon –
thank so much,but i dont know how to upload a photo,if someone comes round in the next few days i will get help,thanks again
Luke –
I have a carmona bonsia, iv had it for a good few months now but recently it seems to keep getting these little furry balls attached to the leaves and a moss like film over the soil top
Is this somthing I should be worried about and get it off or just leave it ?
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Luke, please could you send a photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk and we shall take a look,
kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Luke,
I haver not seen anything like this before – I would be inclined to spray with an insecticide for 3 successive weeks.
Please just use a general insecticide because I cannot tell what it is.
The top of the soil probably just needs a brush with an old toothbrush and it will look great,
sorry that I cannot be of more help
best wishes
Sarah
Jude –
Hello I have had a beautiful Japanese Pepper tree for two years I water it daily never letting it dry out it seemed very healthy and then two weeks ago I trimmed it after which it started dropping leaves they are not brown or crispy when they drop.I have noticed to a little yellowing on a very few of the leaves.My tree is almost bald now! Any advice am hoping that it has regrowth soon it’s never dropped leaves.Any advice would be most helpful.Thankyou.
Bonsai Direct –
Was there any evidence of brown tips to the leaves?
I think it would be best if you sent us a photo so we could check this out for you.
If you are unable to upload an image please send to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk,
many thanks
Sarah
Victoria –
So I got a Bonsai tree for valentines day of this year. The women that I got it from told me to water it every Sunday which is what I’ve been doing. She also gave me food for it that I’m suppose to give once every four months. My tree was growing and it was so healthy and green I hadn’t missed watering it’s in a perfect place in my kitchen. It even grew a new branch I was so excited. I’ve taken outside for a while that way it get better sunlight but I still keep it in the shade even then. Lately like last month & this month my tree’s branches have turned brown and the leave are very hard and sharp to the touch to the point where even when I touch it the leaves fall off. I have no idea what I could have done wrong… please could you give me some advice to save it?
-Victoria
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Victoria,
I do not know where you brought your bonsai but it sounds very poor advice.
We recommend that you check your bonsai every day for water and water it well as soon as the soil feels barely damp.
We feed our bonsai weekly, but that does depend upon the food you are using.
The watering was probably fine when it was very cool but we have had some hot days over the past couple of months.
Please stand the bonsai in water, so that the water covers the pot, for 5 mins to re-wet the soil.
I would expect that the leaves are crispy??
We are watering every day to every 2 days when cooler.
All the leaves will drop – lets hope that it has not dried out too much and in 6 weeks you should see new buds.
The link below will direct you to general care instructions for bonsai – do you know what kind of bonsai you have?
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/p/indoor-bonsai-tree-care-and-identification
These care video clips should help you too:
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/p/bonsai-care-dvd
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
jordan cook –
I have a 7 year old chineese elm never had any problems, this year im having loads of new growth like normal but the lower leaves seem to be going patchy brown and yellow falling off leaving me with naked stems atthe bottom, also confused by these hairs below every leaf coming out fresh green but then later turning brown and droping of near the bottom of stems again, please help
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Jordan,
Please could you send me a photo and let me know when the bonsai was re-potted.
Are you pruning the tips of the shoots – it the shoots get long and leggy the older leaves drop off.
Many thanks
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Jordan,
Thanks for the photo. The bonsai looks great; you always get some old leaves when the new growth spurts.
You have done exactly the right thing pruning. It could definitely do with a larger pot now and some fresh compost – I think it is pot bound,
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Simon Fisher –
Hi I recently bought an 11 year old sweet plum tree. It was for a gift and unfortunately it was in it’s box for 3 days!!!. I’ve noticed on the leafs little brown holes and also some brown dead lacerations on some leafs. Also I’ve noticed some new shoots have black tips. I’ve now removed most if not all of the leaves I can see with this problem. And now I’ve sprayed the plant with SB plant invigorator I was wondering what is the problem? And have I took the right steps in resolving it. And secondary I have a feeder that says to use 5ml into 1 litre. But how much feed/watering does the plant require. Thank you for your time. And I really hope I can sort my lovely tree out
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Simon,
Please be assured that bonsai are fine in transit for at least 10 days – we have done many trials and 3 days in a box will have no affect on the health of your bonsai.
We have thousands of bonsai to prune and occasionally we do cut through leaves – we try not to, but the only way to make this cost affective is to prune fast.
Those leaves will just drop off and have no ill affect on the health of a bonsai.
Black tips on leaves are usually an indication of slight over-watering – you are very welcome to send me a photo (sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk) so that I can check this out for you.
We spray preventively with the plant invigorator and it gives the plants a low dose feed and helps to keep them pest free. When you spray please ensure you spray under the foliage too.
We recommend feeding with the feed once a week. Please dilute 5ml of the feed in 1L of water. You can make this mixture up into an old drinks bottle – please clearly label it and keep it out of the reach of children.
Once a week use this water containing the feed. You will not use much of the litre but can save the mixture and use the following weeks.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
darren –
hi sarah would there be any benefit to my ficus tree if I put it outside on a nice day in the sun aslong as I keep it well watered ? if yes would it matter if it rained and could i also leave it out over night weather permitting? many thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Darren,
Absolutely – I have just put a very large Ficus bonsai outside.
It will be very happy out there until September. It loves the rain and should be fine at night too!
Don’t forget to water it!
all the best
Sarah
darren –
that’s great nice one thank you very much
Jessica –
my bonsai has some parts of its leaves brown is that normal??
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Jessica,
Are the tips of the leaves brown? This is usually a sign of over-watering.
it may be worth sending me a photo (sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk) and I can check out the symptoms for you,
kind regards
Sarah
Daryl –
I think my tree is a Ficus Ginseng and I received it on Saturday. I have not watered it yet and only have been misting since then but some of the leaves are turning a dark black/brown color.
What could cause that? Any help is appreciated.
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Daryl,
I am not sure where you got your bonsai tree from but it should come named and with care instructions.
I am wondering if it has dried out.
We are watering daily at the moment – but this does depend upon how hot it is and what size pot you have.
Please could you send me some photos.
many thanks
Sarah
Sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Daryl –
Thank you. I have sent you an email.
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Daryl,
I think the brown bits maybe either be a result of re-acclimatisation to the new location of perhaps it has got a little hot.
The soil looks very dry.
I would give the bonsai a good drink.
The symptoms look very minor, you can mist the foliage in addition to watering.
I hope this helps
please let us know if the symptoms worsen,
kind regards
Sarah
Anita ram –
Hi I got bout a bonsai but it didn’t specify what kind of tree it is or come with any instructions to care for it and I’m afraid I may have accidentally let it dry out as I wasn’t sure how often to water it and now the leaves are all crisp and dry however I did make a small nick in the bark and it’s still green inside how do I get it to recover back to the way it was?
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Anita,
if you send us a photo we can try and identify it for you.
The nursery you purchased it from should tell you what type of bonsai it is.
When we have identified it i can send you the correct care information.
In the mean time please stand the bonsai in water for 5mins so that the water covers the soil and the check the soil daily.
Only water when the soil is barely damp and then water well.
I hope this helps
Kind regards
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Maddy –
My new white serissa has black dots on some of its leaves. Should I buy an insecticide because some other leaves appear to have bites I guess on the leaves. Also I was told my bonsai is for indoors and I don’t know if I should buy a grow lamp or if the window is fine. Is it okay to take off yellow leaves or only dying flowers ? Do I put fertilizer on top of the soil or in it deep? How often should I trim my bonsai to keep its shape ?
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Maddy,
Please could you send a photo of your Serissa – the black spots could be a fungus as opposed to an insect.
What the the nursery say about it where you purchased it from?
The window will be absolutely fine -you will not need a grow lamp.
Serissa do not like to be wet so please keep the soil just damp and do not be inclined to over-water it.
Please remove any yellow leaves, they should just be the old ones.
As far as fertiliser, there are lots of different types of bonsai food so please follow the instructions on the bottle or packet because I do not know what you are using.
Please trim the long shoots when they are 2-3cm longer and beginning to get out of shape,
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
martina –
Hello
I have had a juniper bonsai for a few months, just been watering when needed, but noticed its starting to brown…. i read it requires a liquid food… will go to store for some tomorrow… is that possibly why my bonsai is turning brown??
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Martina,
The brown foliage will not be caused by lack of food. But it is good to feed your bonsai at this time of year.
Where are you keeping the Juniper and which country to you live in?
Brown foliage is usually a watering issue – could you please send a photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
kind regards
Sarah
martina –
Well my boyfriend has it near a big window on our kitchen table, there for a while it was in direct sunlight… Now its not so exposed but still gets good sun. I will send u a picture as soon as i get home tonight! Thank you for helping!
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Martina,
Thanks for the photos.
In England Junipers will only grow well outside – I would think it got too hot in the direct sunlight.
I would be inclined to recommend that you put your bonsai outside in a sheltered position. They are happy in the sun and do not like to be over-watered. It maybe worth checking with a local bonsai centre to you – your climate could be quite different to ours.
Sorry that I cannot be of more help,
kind regards
Sarah
martina –
And i live in kansas…
Mario –
Hello,
I purchased a small bonsai tree, back in May.Curved trunk with small green leaves on weeping branches.after about 2 weeks every leave turned yellow and fell off,completely bare. Well new leaves came back full and green absolutely beautiful. Well , the leaves are beginning to turn yellow ,dry and fall off again. aghhhh. No brown at all. I think my wife is afraid to over water. I am know trying to water 2x a day ,letting water drain to secondary dish attached to pot. I also bought 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer and started that today. How often should I apply the fertilizer? And do you think the yellow leaves coming back was from lack of water,fertilizer or both. Thanks for any help , it’s a beautiful little tree when fully green ,
Mario
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Mario,
Please make sure your bonsai does not stand in water – it will rot the roots.
I think you need to ascertain what variety of bonsai you have – frequently people buy outdoor bonsai and keep them indoors and that will affect the bonsai dramatically.
I am unsure of your seasons but in the UK we have noticed distinct indications of an early autumn – this maybe caused by a hot summer and some leaves are turning yellow on the outdoor bonsai – this is perfectly normal.
I think you’re best bet is to ask the nursery/shop that you purchase your bonsai from – I simply do not want to give you the wrong information.
Please try to maintain damp soil – not too wet (unless it is a weeping willow (Salix)) and then it likes a lot of water.
Sorry that I cannot be of more help
kind regards
Sarah
Mario –
Oh, I’d like to add we are in NJ, and I have been bringing the plant outside during the day, is this a no no. It did help when it first came back. Thanks again, Mario
martina –
Hello again, i have sent pictures to your email address. Have you received them? Thank you martina
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Martina,
I am not sure if you got my reply:
Hi Martina,
Thanks for the photos.
In England Junipers will only grow well outside – I would think it got too hot in the direct sunlight.
I would be inclined to recommend that you put your bonsai outside in a sheltered position. They are happy in the sun and do not like to be over-watered. It maybe worth checking with a local bonsai centre to you – your climate could be quite different to ours.
Sorry that I cannot be of more help,
kind regards
Sarah
I really feel you need to check with your local bonsai centre as I am unfamiliar with your climate,
If it has been over-watered and the roots have rooted then there is very little you can do except be patient.
It will look worse before it gets better,
Kind regards
kerry –
Hello, I was wondering if it possible to upload a picture of my trees – they were a gift given to me today and as I’ve never had one before, I was hoping you’d be able to tell me what variety they are please?
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Kerry, that would be fine or send send an e-mail to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk and we can try to identify the bonsai for you,
Kind regards
Sarah
marlene avino –
My ficus bonsai is dropping a. few leaves and some have brown edges. What could be the problem? I have had it for 10 years.
Bonsai Direct –
Sounds like a watering problem. When was it last repotted?
Becky –
Hi there,
Just wondered if you could help me with some advice.
I purchased a Japanese pepper tree in June of this year, its being doing well on my wind sill and seems to have been pretty happy up until now. Its just recently started to drop its leaves quite heavily and some have turned brown, the majority of leaves are still a strong green colour, but as this is my first ever tree I just wanted to check if this was normal for september time? or if the tree is in trouble 🙁
Any help is appreciated!
Many thanks
Becky
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Becky,
Brown leaves can be an indication of slight over-watering or under-watering as well as simply being seasonal leaf drop.
Seasonal leaf drop usually only affect the older leaves and not the new growing tips.
Under-watering results in papery crispy leaves and over-watering in soft brown tips to the leaves.
If you are unsure please send me a photo – I would prefer to check the symptoms,
many thanks
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Sandra Lawson –
Hi I have a ginseng bonsai given as a gift.
Many healthy green leaves are constantly dropping,mso it is starting to look quite sparse.
I feel watering is an issue, I am concerned about overwatering because it is in a pot I am not sure has good drainage. The pot its in has a base tray which is attached. Please give your advice I do not want this to die
Regards
Sandra
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Sandra,
It does sounds as though you do not have proper drainage. How long have you had the bonsai?
Would you be able to send some photos to me please?
many thanks
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Heather –
If I brought a Chinese holly and kept it over the winter at a sunny window away from a direct heater would it be ok over the weekend if not watered, as I plan to leave it at work?
Many thanks,
Bonsai Direct –
If it is hot I would recommend standing the bonsai in a little water in the sink over the weekend.
Then remove after the weekend and do not water again until barely damp.
Heather –
Thanks 🙂 Ill keep an eye on the weather forecast each week
Ellie –
Hello, sorry to bother you. I just got a 2 year old Japanese Maple Bonsai for my mother, but I am totally new in this. Would you mind answering a few question? Should I planted in a nursery pot or directly into the ground? If both is fine, what difference does it make?And during the winter, if I am to plant it in a pot, should I bring it indoor? (Or am I suppose to leave it indoor/outdoor all year around). And what ages of the bonsai would you suggest me to transfer it to a training pot? And I don’t know what else am I suppose o know but, any tips you can gave me? Because I know almost nothing.
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Ellie,
If you plant the Maple in the ground it will grow quickly and the trunk will thicken nicely, but you will have to lift the bonsai every other year (when dormant) otherwise the roots will grow too deeply.
I think you may find a larger plant pot, which is not too deep, easier to maintain.
Obviously, if in a pot the bonsai will be more dependant upon you for food and water.
Either way you just need to let the bonsai grow for a few years and not be too concerned about pruning – just allow the trunk and branches to thicken.
A Japanese maple is an outdoor bonsai so you can leave it outside all year round – I am assuming that you are in the UK. If you have a very cold winter you may want to shelter the bonsai in an unheated glasshouse or shed for a short period.
In the spring and summer please feed your bonsai with a bonsai fertiliser – it is a deciduous bonsai so will not need any feed during winter months.
Japanese maples are susceptible to wind scorch so a sheltered position in the garden is always preferable.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah – Bonsai Direct
Bonsai Direct –
I thought these care instructions for the Japanese Red Maple Bonsai tree (Acer palmatum Deshojo) may be of interest.
The Japanese Red Maple is a bonsai classic. This delightful outdoor bonsai exhibits truly beautiful and vibrant spring and autumn colour.
With bright red foliage throughout the spring and autumn, changing to pink/greens during the summer months.
A classic Japanese bonsai with great character and beautiful leaf shape.
• Your bonsai is a hardy tree that needs to live outside all year round. Like normal trees it will follow the cycles of the seasons and grow actively during the spring and rest during the winter months. A Maple is a deciduous bonsai and therefore will lose its leaves through the winter.
• The biggest enemy of outdoor bonsai is wind. Strong winds will quickly dehydrate any delicate buds and leaves so a sheltered position is preferable.
• The delicate foliage of Maples can scorch in full sun so partial shade during summer months is advisable. This also prevents your bonsai from drying out too quickly.
• Watering is the most important part of growing bonsai. Check your bonsai morning and evening to see if it needs watering. If the soil looks dark and feels wet then it will not require watering. Only when the soil looks light brown and feels damp will your bonsai require more water. Water thoroughly all over the soil until the water drains through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Never let your bonsai dry out and avoid keeping it constantly wet. The soil should go from wet to damp between watering. Remember the hotter the position the more water your bonsai will use. If the soil surface becomes hard during hot weather simply submerge your bonsai in water, to cover the soil surface, for about ten minutes.
• To maintain the artistic grace and beauty of your bonsai it will need to be pruned regularly. Once new shoots have grown to about 2-3cm, using a sharp pair bonsai scissors carefully cut back to the first pair of new leaves. Maples should be pruned to shape rather than wired, as wiring will damage the bark.
• To keep your bonsai strong and healthy we recommend the use of a good bonsai fertiliser. Bonsai fertiliser should be applied during spring, summer and autumn but please do not feed during winter months.
Zorana halpin –
I’m getting a large bonsai tree (approx a metre high) and wondered if there are any tips about how to care for large ones in particular?
Thanks!
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Zorana,
We would need to know the variety – it is probably best to ask how it has been cared for from the person you are buying it.
Sorry I cannot be of more help; i would not like to give you the wrong advice,
kind regards
Sarah
kerry –
Hi there.
I have had my bonsai for a good 5 months now. I noticed mould forming on the service of the soil particularly towards the end of summer. I think this was due to me over watering? After reading up on bonsai I lightly scratched the bark to see the color underneath and its brown. This saddens me as I now think it’s died but the leaves are full green still and have been for the past month ( when I scratched the bark) has my bonsai died? It’s an outside bonsai
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Kerry,
If the leaves on your bonsai are green then it is alive.
It maybe that some of the cambium layer (the green layer beneath the bark) is not alive but there must be some flow of water otherwise the leaves would have dried out by now.
The white mould is caused by over-watering (this can be removed with an old toothbrush).
Long term over-watering can result in root rot and the bonsai can become wobbly in the pot.
You may find it helpful to send me a photo so we can check this out,
I hope this helps.
Kind regards
Sarah (sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk)
kerry –
….that I keep in doors on my landing window sill that has sun shining throughout the day.
ROSALYN JELLY –
Hi I have had a bonsai for 30 years it sit in water on a stone in a dish.I have given baby bio over the years but I think it don’t like it. I often give it a bath in warm water and I pull of its long roots off. I just wonder what is the best fertilizer should I give it. many thanks Ros
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Ros,
A lot of plant fertilisers are too strong and can burn the roots of a bonsai.
You need to use a proper bonsai feed such as the one in the link below:
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/item/1851/liquid-bonsai-fertiliser–t92-?ref=3177
Have you ever root pruned or repotted your bonsai into a larger pot?
kind regards
Sarah
ROSALYN JELLY –
No I haven’t, Do you think I could re-pot it.? Because the stone it stands on as got very small over the years and I now have help it (with sting) to stand up. I’m not sure what root pruned means. Thank you very much.much. Ros
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Ros,
Basically all pot plants get pot bound after a few years and their roots cannot grow – the they start to suffer. It sounds like it might need a larger pot so that the roots can continue to grow. Please could you send us a photo so we can try to advise you further? My e-mail address is sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk. best wishes Sarah
David –
My tree is about eight years old. The leaves are dropping quite badley but new ones are still appearing. A black mould has now appeared on the surface of the soil. It has never been re-potted, could this be the cause?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear David,
Please could you let me know what variety of bonsai you have – some bonsai are deciduous and should drop their leaves now. We also need to know what type of bonsai it is so we can advise what time of year to repot. Moulds on the soil surface are often caused by over-watering – did the leaves go brown and limp or dry and crispy?
You are welcome to send me a photo so we can check out the symptoms,
kind regards
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Sebatian –
hi, I got a bonsai which of 35 year old from my grandpa which was not well maintained for past few years so its lost lot of its leaves and also lost its shape can anyone pls guide me to develop leaves at bottom and make it a good shape
Sebatian –
my tree is a Albizia amara bonsai
Bonsai Direct –
I regret we have not heard of this type of bonsai so it would not be correct for me to advise you, Does anyone else have any ideas?
kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct
Debbie Lambe –
Hi,
I have a 25 year old bonsai tree (I think it’s a chines elm). It has been with me for over two weeks now after a lot of time & care in a green house. Although I am watering only when the soil feels like it’s drying a little a lot of healthy green leaves are falling off daily. New leaves of a paler green are growing but I am worried that I am losing healthy leaves & don’t want to wait until it’s bare before I ask for help. It’s in a spacious hallway, good light but and airy but not at a window. Should I move it or do you think it’s going through a transition period from the green house to my hallway. Would appreciate some advice. Thanks,
Debbie
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Debbie,
I think your bonsai is going through a transition period. It will be warmer in the house and all the old leaves will drop off – this will be followed by a growth period.
If this starts to affect the new lighter green leaves please contact us again.
It will look worse before it gets better but this is exactly what I would expect it to do,
I hope this helps
Kind regards
sarah
Billy –
Hi, recently the leaves of my bonsai tree have all fallen, with one or two remaining which are crispy. I water it once every two days and the soil is damp therefore I know it is receiving enough water. It is placed on my window sill and I have noticed any new growths of leaves/buds as soon as they come out they also become crispy and fall. Could you please assist me in identifying the potential problem that is leading to the leaves falling and drying out. Many thanks
Billy
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Billy,
Crispy leaves are usually a sign that the bonsai has dried out, even for a short time, or has become too hot. Something is causing the stress if new leaves are becoming crispy.
Please could you send a photo to Lloyd@bonsaidirect.co.uk so we can check the symptoms and find out what sort of bonsai you have,
many thanks
Lloyd
Mary Van Lieu –
I was given a Bonsai for a gift and although the leaves are very green, they seem droopy to me. Is this normal? They aren’t falling off or anything. I have to purchase the Bonsai fertilizer I’ve been hearing about, and have only been using Miracle Grown plant food, could that be the problem? Also, the bottom of my tree is growing new shoots, should I cut those off so they only grow on the top?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Mary,
Do you know what variety of bonsai you have? Some bonsai do have leaves which look more droopy – please do not be inclined to over-water; just keep the soil damp.
Droopy leaves can also be a sign of a watering issue – if you are concerned please send a photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Miracle Grow can definitely be to strong for bonsai – you need as proper bonsai food such as the one in the link below:
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/item/1851/liquid-bonsai-fertiliser–t92-?ref=3177
If the new shoots are growing directly from the trunk I would recommend you remove them; otherwise your bonsai will lose its defined shape and become more shrub like,
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah – Bonsai Direct
Ivo B –
I am really worried about my bonsai tree. It is wilting already for third week. I have no clue, what to do? I replanted it last week in hope, it will get better, but everything goes worse and worse. Can you help me?
Bonsai Direct –
Please could you let us know what variety of bonsai you have and send a photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk. Could it be caused by compromised roots and over-watering?
kind regards Sarah – Bonsai Direct
Ivo B –
Hi, Sarah!
Thank you for hearing my begging for help. I will send you a picture of my bonsai tree as soon as I will get home I cannot tell you variety of bonsai tree, because I do not know that. Hope the picture will help you.
Ivo B –
Dear, Sarah!
I sent you an email. Can you let my know, have you received it, please?
kara –
Hi I got a Chinese elm for my birthday. I’ve only had it in my care for 2 days. I’m concerned about the soil it seems to be really dry! I’m just scared to over Water it… I’ve read to soak the soil? But at the same time I don’t want to over soak it… Whats the best way to do so… Its an indoor Chinese elm I’m told it’s 6 years old? It’s only in a small pot and could I possible repot it and give it some new soil… Or as I’ve not had it long should I wait a while as it will be adapting to new surroundings… My heating is on most of the time… Please help me
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Kara,
When growing indoor bonsai you need to keep the soil damp (not soaking wet all the time).
If it does seem really dry you can stand it in water in the kitchen sink for 5mins – this will soak the root ball evenly.
You are welcome to send a photo and we can try to establish if your bonsai needs re-potting.
Does it feel very firm in the pot. My e-mail address is sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Kind regards
Sarah
hannah –
Hi I’m having a similar problem, fear mine mightbe a lost cause. If there’s anyway i can revive it that would be fab.
I have a zanthoxylum and the leaves all went crispy and dropped off in October i checked that it was alive then watered it as needed. Or so i thought but that the pot didnt have proper drainage about it and wa sat in water. The bark was light brpwn fpr the first tome today . Isthe poor tree dead or can i revive it. Feel v bad it got i into this state I’m new to bonsai care and thought the leaf shedding was normal with it being deciduous and winter time when itoccured i only begun to question it this week and have beentrying tp fix it ever since. Any advice and help appreciated even if its to start over
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Hannah,
It sounds a though your bonsai has been over-watered and the roots have started to rot so have become inefficient at taking up water. You could make a couple of nicks in the trunk with a sharp knife or thumb nail to see if it is alive (the layer beneath the bark should be green). Assuming it is please keep the soil damp (not wet) and give the bonsai good daylight. It will take 6-8 weeks to see any improvement but at this time of year once it starts to improve it should grow quite quickly! I hope this helps.
Nicola Turner –
Hello,
I recently bought a Bonsai Malus with lovely white flowers, but I had to leave town for the weekend and when I came back the flowers were shrivelled up. Will the tree grow any more flowers or is it a lost cause?
I’d also appreciate any tips on how to care for Malus trees as I’ve seen lots of contradicting advice on the internet!
Thanks so much!
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Nicola,
There could be a number of reason for this – the bonsai could have dried out whilst you were away or it could just have come to the end of the flowering period.
Either way it will not flower again until next spring.
It is an easy bonsai to care for – it is an outdoor bonsai so will grow leaves over the next month. Please keep the soil damp and find a place in the garden which is sheltered and semi-shady.
We feed all our outdoor bonsai once a week from April with a liquid bonsai feed such as the one in the link below. Feed weekly until the leaves drop in the autumn.
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/item/1851/liquid-bonsai-fertiliser–t92-?ref=3177
I hope this helps – it is a very pretty bonsai so I hope you enjoy it.
kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct
Nicola Turner –
Thanks Sarah, that’s really helpful.
One more thing – one of the shoots seems to be growing really fast (in comparison to the rest at least!) it’s reached about 15cm. Should I prune it now? If so, how much should I take off?
Kind regards
Sarah –
Hi Nicola,
Without seeing the bonsai it is hard to advise how much to prune off. I would think it would be three quarters of it; to bring it back into proportion with the other shoots.
By pruning the long shoots you will encourage the other shoots to grow and stop the shoots getting long and leggy. Pruning will also encourage other buds to open up further down the branches. I suspect the growth is towards the top of the bonsai so it would be great to encourage new growth in other areas too. I hope this helps
alison –
Hi I left my bonsai tree in the care of a relative for ten days. Unfortunately he completely forgot to water it. I got back and immediately realised and immersed the whole plant in cold water but the next day all the green leaves dropped off (they were already beginning to drop off when I got back.) It now has no leaves. I pruned back some of the shoots/branches and can see they are green on the outside. I have today plunged it into water again for five minutes. I will leave now until it is drier on top – but my question is, is it likely to recover? And when will I know if it is ok or not?
Bonsai Direct –
If the cambium layer, beneath the bark is green, then yes it has every chance of recovering.
It will take 6-8 weeks to show new buds.
Please do not be inclined to over-water. Just keep the soil damp.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct
Ayra –
Hi everybody,
I need an advise how to revive my Bonsay tree.
I think it is elm.
The new leaves just showed up and I left it to dry….
It is in a small “forest” with other indoor plants but it’s pod is the smallest (and ceramic at the same time) and I checked the moister of the nearest few pod but I didn’t check the bonsai.
In one moment I realized that it’s new leafs are dry.
Do you think it is possible to revive it?
If I trim it a lot or if I trim the roots?
Regards and thanks in advance
Ayra
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Ayra,
If your bonsai has dried out please do not prune off the roots – it will make it weaker.
All the leaves will go crispy and dry and fall off.
Please submerse the soil and pot in water for 5mins to re-wet the soil evenly.
Then go back to checking the bonsai daily and keep the soil damp (not wet).
It will take 6-8 weeks to see new buds and leaves if it will recover,
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
steph –
Please help! Bought a chinese elm in August last year. Was fine until November time, when the leaves went yellow, then brown, then fell off. We’re now in April and it has still not sprouted any new buds. I scratched the bark, which is very pale greeny-white colour. Am pretty sure that if it hasn’t sprouted yet, it’s dead… but wanted confirmation. Plant is positioned on kitchen windowledge and sees sun mainly in the morning.
Thank you!
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Steph,
It sounds as though there is a vein of life if there is pale green. I would put the bonsai outside and give it 2 months to see.
Please keep the soil damp.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
chris –
Hi ihave a carmona bonsai and i have it from
September.i make a mistake and i leave it outside hear at Greece at winter and lose all the leaves.i think it is diying.i cut one brands and inside is green.could you help me to save it.thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Chris,
Carmona bonsai do not like to be cold and will drop all their leaves. It sounds as though it is still alive and if you live in Greece I would think it is quite warm there now.
Please put in a semi-shady position in the garden and keep the soil damp. I hope that in a few weeks you will see new buds. I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah – Bonsai Direct
chris –
Thanks a lot i hope to have right.
Louise Ward –
Hello, I recently bought a Podocarpus Bonsai Tree from my local garden centre. When I got it home I noticed already its leaves had brown tips and most of them were falling off. I have since trimmed some of the branches which has helped but can you give me any advice on what to do about the brown tipped leaves and general care for my new tree? Thank you
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Louise,
It sounds as though your bonsai may have slightly weakened roots, caused by slight over-watering.
Obviously I haven’t seen the bonsai but generally this is the cause of brown tips to the leaves.
I hope these videos will help with the watering and feeding:
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/blog/news/how-do-i-water-my-indoor-bonsai-tree/
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/blog/news/how-do-i-feed-and-water-my-bonsai-tree/
I think it would be perfectly reasonable to speak to the garden centre because over watering takes some to to recover from.
The following link may be of general interest about growing bonsai over 18 easy to follow chapters which covers every aspect of growing bonsai trees.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct
Rubyni –
Hi there, I really need your help on this matter! I got a bonsai for my house is Oct last year! Itvwas full of leaves and looking so beautiful! Over the months the leaves kept on falling! Now there is no leaves for atleast 9 weeks! The branches are very dry! I have been watering it regularly and making sure the soil is damp! There is no leafs at all and I’m so concern!! I just checked the stem and it is green inside! Should I trim the branch ? What should I do? Really appreaciate any information! Thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Rubyni,
I am not sure what variety of bonsai you have. Outdoor bonsai do shed their leaves during winter months but you did say you have an indoor bonsai. When the leaves dropped did they change colour or go crispy?
It may be a good idea to send us a photo so we can see the symptoms,
kind regards
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Luis and Irina –
Hi!
We have recently bought a Podocarpus bonsai, which we keep indoors. We have had new foliage this spring, but as of two weeks some of the old leaves and smaller branches began to dry out. We are unsure what to do to save the tree. Should we consider repotting it? Trimming the dry branches? Can you give us an advice? Thank you.
Bonsai Direct –
Please do not re-pot your bonsai; it will make things worse if the roots are already stressed.
Please do not feed the bonsai. Give it a position with good daylight but out of direct sun and keep the soil damp.
Did it dry out? If so the leaves will go crispy and drop off and it will take 2-3 months for a podocarpus to see new buds,
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Donna –
Hi I recently brought a bonsai tree for my husband for fathers day. I’m not sure of its name it’s an s shape.
The leaves seem to be drying out and falling off and the root seems to be becoming more exposed.
I have a south facing garden so the tree is placed away from the window but should get evening sun.
We have the feed and invigorating spray and my husband has been watering twice a week.
Are we doing something wrong??
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Donna,
Would it be possible for you to send a photo. It has been hot lately and we are watering daily; it sounds as though it may have dried out at some point.
Have the leaves gone crispy?
Kind regards
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Donna –
Thank you for you response, I have sent an email with a few pictures of our bonsai
Kind regards
Donna
Paulina –
Hello. I bought my first bonsai tree about 8 weeks ago. I looked at videos and read articles on how to feed your bonsai tree. I bought plant food because I read its required. I use 1 tbsp per gallon of water and feed my tree with it every other week. I water Tony (my tree) once every week. I also read its cruicial the tree remains near a place where it gets good daylight but out of direct sunlight. I left my tree in the same place for 6 weeks and later moved it to my living room with less direct sunlight but I guess good daylight. I believe this affected Tony because ever since I moved it my tree’s been loosing leaves. It’s still green and I water it once a week still. My question follows, is it possible that my tree reacted bad to the change? And is my tree at any risk? Will the leaves grow back eventually?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Paulina,
I am not sure what variety of bonsai you have or if you live in the UK and without knowing that I maybe giving you the wrong advice.
Are the leaves going dry or crispy before they fall off? In the UK it is summer and we are watering out bonsai often daily or sometimes every other day (if it is cooler) at the moment.
I am wondering if you bonsai has dried out.
Is your fertiliser a bonsai food or general plant food. General plant food can be too strong for a bonsai so I would recommend halving the concentration that you make.
Please let me know if you think the bonsai could have dried out and what type of bonsai you have and we can try and advise you.
kind regards
Sarah – Bonsai Direct
Paulina –
I live in the US. It’s summer over here where I live. The temperatures are between 90-102 degrees fahrenheit. My bonsai tree has an “S” shape, I’m not sure what kind it is. The leaves turn crispy then they fall out. My fertiliser is general plant food, therefore I precure I use the right amount.
Sarah –
Hi Paulina,
I definitely think it has dried out at some point if the leaves have gone dry and crispy. Please check the bonsai daily and ensure that the soil is always damp top the touch. It should not be soaking wet, just damp. Yesterday it was very hot here and we are under glass so we have to soak out bonsai twice in one day. I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Rachel martin –
Hello there, I bought a ficus macrocarpa ginseng bonsai tree about a month ago, it is around a metre tall. Since bringing it home it has continued to drop leaves, mainly from the top to leave bare twigs on the top. The leaves falling off are green, and the tree itself is still green. It is indoors in a light position and I water when the soil feels damp but not wet. My question is whether I need to do anything to stop the leaves from falling off and whether I have to do anything with all the bare branches it is leaving behind! This is my first tree and I only know what to do as per the very minimal instructions it came with, many thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Rachel,
Without seeing the bonsai is is not possible to ascertain the cause of the leaf drop.
If the bonsai was purchased locally it maybe worth popping back with it to ask advice,
I am sorry we cannot help; this is not a variety of bonsai I am overly familiar with,
kind regards
Sarah
Danny Johnson –
hi, I bought a Chinese elm and kept soil moist plus used bonsai feed as directed. Now all the leaves have fallen off and after about 6 weeks still no sign of new growth. Is this completely dead? Where did I go wrong?
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Danny,
The fact that the leaves have dropped off does not mean the bonsai has died.
When the leaves dropped off did they change colour or go crispy?
We need to ascertain what has caused the leaf drop – if possible please send us a photo.
many thanks
Sarah
Danny Johnson –
Hi, thanks for your response. I think some leaves went yellow before dropping off. I kept soil moist as instructions said, maybe I overwatered it? What’s the difference between moist and too wet?
Saad –
Hi, i just got my first bonsai, but don’t know what type it is? can i send a pic for you to identify and suggest some good practices for that bonsai. Also, i got a bigger better pot (its currently in a trainer pot) and i want to transfer it .. help would be appreciated.
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Saad,
Yes of course you may send a photo.
We have a whole section of our website dedicated to bonsai care and advice (this includes videos and tutorials) and care instructions for all the more popular bonsai varieties.
I hope you find this helpful: http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/p/bonsai-help-and-advice/bonsai-care-advice
kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct
Saad –
Thanks. Sent you a picture on ‘info@bonsaidirect.co.uk’
Bonsai Direct –
It is difficult to tell from the photo. I wonder if it is a Japanese Holly but the Box looks similar also.
Dan Bussey –
Hi, a couple of weeks ago i got my first chinese elm bonsai, its sat next to a southwest facing window not in direct light but getting as much as it can. I check if the soil is damp before watering it, seems to be every 3 or 4 days at the moment. My problem is that some of the leaves are starting to yellow and drop off, mainly on the underneath pads or in the middle of a group of leaves, is this due to lack of light or is it telling me that it wants to go dormant for the winter?
Help would be much appreciated thanks
Bonsai Direct –
This is likely to be a seasonal change as a result of entering autumn (and lower light levels and shorter day lengths). If the new leaves are unaffected this is the most likely cause. The old leaves will drop and are usually followed 3-4 weeks later by a growth period. If the new leaves are also affected please send us a photo; the case will be different. Please do not over water, when there are less leaves your bonsai will need less water, please only water the bonsai when the soil is barely damp.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Bonsai Direct Team
Dan Bussey –
Yes I’m careful not to overwater it, I only give it water when I can feel very little moisture underneath the top layer of soil, as well as a little mist once a week or so.
It does seem to be mainly the older leaves or the ones on the lower pads getting less light, the crown and the newer leaves are still a nice dark green. Just wanted to make sure as more of the older leaves are turning yellow each day.
Michal –
Hello,
I have 2 questions about my Oriental Tea Tree.
I am using liquid bonsai feed from your website. It’s recommended to feed it once a week, should I reduce the frequency during Winter(like with Chinese Elm)?
Also I am not sure I got the feeding instructions right. When it’s feeding time, should I simply use the diluted feed instead of normal water to water my bonsai, or should I water it with clean water first and then use the solution?
Thanks for the answers!
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Michal,
Thank you for your enquiry. We actually feed both the Oriental Tea Tree and Chinese Elm once a week throughout the year now; we find the grow during winter (even though its slow).
It is best to feed once a week with the diluted feed when the soil is barely damp (do not water with clean water first).
We have produced a video in this link:
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/p/how-do-i-feed-my-bonsai-tree-
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Paul Atkinson –
Hi there, I’ve recently bought a Chinese Elm and a Buddhist Pine. Both are probably about 10 years and we’ll established and healthy. Can I start to train them now or do I need to wait till Spring?
Thanks Paul
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Paul,
It is fine to start to train your bonsai; this is an ongoing process which starts for very early years. You do not need to wait until spring,
kind regards
Sarah – Bonsai Direct
Paul Atkinson –
Hello again,
I should have asked this last night but forgot………..I want to fill my humidity tray with grit, is there a special “bonsai grit” or can I just use any fine horticultural grit?
Thanks Paul
Bonsai Direct –
Horticultural grit will be fine; just to ensure that the bonsai does not sit in water.
It does need to be horticultural grade because this has the salt removed.
Liz Pinnock –
Do the leaves on an Black Monkey Thorn fold in the night because mine is folding?
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Liz,
The Black Monkey Thorn is a type of Acacia and yes the leaves do close in the evenings. Some varieties are also sensitive to touch and will close if you rub your fingers along the shoot.
Kind regards Sarah
Sam Osborne –
Hello,
I received my first bonsai tree about three weeks ago. It is a Chinese Elm and it sits right next to a large window so it gets plenty of light. I am worried that I am overwatering or under watering the tree because some of the leaves are turning yellow and dropping off. They don’t seem to be old leaves, they tend to be at the end of newer branches. I have read numerous threads trying to figure out what I am doing wrong but I am now at a loss and don’t know what to do. I am thinking I may have been over keen and watered it too often (everyday for the first week or so) so I haven’t watered the plant in about a week. The soil still feels damp to touch and so was the chopstick after putting into the soil for 3 mins.
Any advice or guidance would be much appreciated.
Sam
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Sam,
I would suspect after just 3 weeks that the Chinese Elm bonsai is just re-acclimatising to its new environment.
Over-watering tends to result in brown tips to the leaves.
If you want to send a photo to sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk we can check it out,
many thanks
Bonsai Direct
mikayla –
Hi my name is mikayla and I have a bonsai tree. I forgot to water it but recently I notice that the leaves where coming off when I touch it also by it self . I water is and move it to my window. It been a couple days and I water it again because it seemed dry. I am wondering if it’s because of the weather or something else. Please help Thank you
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Mikayla,
When the leaves drop are they dry and crispy or do they change colour and remain so and fleshy?
kind regards
Sarah
Bonsai Direct
mikayla –
The tree has not change color but when they fall of there are not dry and still green
Bonsai Direct –
Please could you send me a photo so we can check what variety of bonsai you have and see if is supposed to lose it’s leaves.
thanks
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
mikayla –
Hi I recently send a email to you and I never heard back wondering what’s wrong with my bonsai thank you
Sarah –
Dear Mikayla,
Thanks for the photo. Your bonsai is a Juniper. This is an outdoor bonsai and will not thrive inside. It does not like to be kept wet; it prefers to be just slightly damp.
It does not look happy. I think it did dry out, hence the needle drop.
I am sorry there is nothing you can do except be patient.
It will take until next spring to see if it will rebud.
It will not grow at this time of year.
Sorry that we cannot be of more help,
kind regards
Sarah
mikayla –
Okay thank you
anthony moore –
Hi I’ve just recently been bought a ficus ginseng bonsai tree and I wondered if you could help me a little with caring for the tree. I’ve visited several websites and all the care tips seem to be different. Regards anthony
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Anthony,
All the information in this link will apply to your ficus:
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/p/bonsai-care-information
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
The basics are below:
Positioning – Bonsai need good daylight to thrive. A bright position, out of direct sunlight, is perfect. Please try to avoid hot objects such a radiators and televisions.
Temperature – Min night 10oC. Min day 18oC.
Watering – DO NOT ALLOW YOUR BONSAI TO DRY OUT.
Check your bonsai morning and evening to see if it needs watering. If the soil looks dark and feels wet then it will not require watering.
Only when the soil looks light brown and feels barely damp will your bonsai require more water. Water thoroughly all over the soil until the water drains through into a tray or saucer.
Never let your bonsai dry out and avoid keeping it constantly wet. The soil should go from wet to damp between watering.
Remember the hotter the position the more water your bonsai will use.
If the soil surface becomes hard during hot weather simply submerge your bonsai in water, to cover the soil surface, for about ten minutes.
Pruning – Prune new shoots to the first pair of new leaves to maintain the shape, using a sharp pair of bonsai scissors.
Drip Tray – Place your bonsai on a drip tray or saucer; this will protect your furniture & create humidity around your bonsai. Do not allow to stand in water.
Feeding – Ideally, feed your bonsai once a week using Bonsai Fertiliser from Bonsai Direct.
Tips – We recommend a weekly spray with Plant Invigorator (available from our website) to promote growth and help prevent pests and disease & to keep your bonsai healthy.
Keely –
when planting seeds, how many should you put in a pot?
Bonsai Direct –
That’s a really difficult question to answer. I do not know the size of the pot.
I would recommend at least 1cm apart, it they get crowded you can always thin them out.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
robert cooper –
I have been given a bonsai tree for a gift and I need to re-pot it.can you advise me if I need to re-pot the tree with compost or just plain soil,
thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Robert,
You need to use a good bonsai soil such as Akadama or mix up some soil using John Innes compost mixed with horticultural grit.
I hope this helps
kind regards and Happy Christmas
Sarah
Cary –
Hello,
Quick question regarding my bonsai tree – it looks very healthy on the right side of the tree and on the left side there are no leaves, just branches (the leaves fell off looks like due to lack of watering). Is this something I should trim the branches at all? Just wondering how to fix this.
Thank you!
Bonsai Direct –
Please give the bonsai a good watering and then turn the bonsai around, it could be lack of light.
With out seeing the bonsai this is very difficult to advise.
Kind regards
Sarah
melanie –
Hi there.
I purchased my first bonsai tree. Unfortunately something went wrong with the delivery and the poor thing spent 2 weeks travelling around boxed in extreme cold. I received today and the soil seems frozen… I’m not very sure if it’s dead or how to take care of it in this situation. Any advice please? Thanks
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Melanie,
Do you know the variety of bonsai? I’m not sure if you are in the UK but it has been so mild that if you are its is likely to need a good drink but should be fine,
Kind regards
Sarah
Kimbal –
Hello,
I was hoping you may be able to help me with a question regarding the maintenance of a Chinese Elm. Over the last few weeks, the tree has grown quite a large number of new shoots, some of which have become quite long. I’d like to prune them, but don’t know when this should be done. In every example I have seen, the branches being pruned are short and woody, whereas the ones on my tree are long and green. Do I need to wait for the shoots to turn woody before pruning them?
Many thanks for your advice
Kind regards
Kimbal
Bonsai Direct –
Hi Kimbal,
Thanks for your enquiry.
The shoots do not need to be woody before pruning; please take a look at the video in this link. We hope it helps:
http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/p/pruning-bonsai
Kind regards and Happy New Year
Sarah
Kimbal –
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your reply; I’d better get some pruning scissors!
I have another question if you don’t mind: Does light from a normal lamp or light fitting help with the growth of a bonsai tree, or is it exclusively sunlight that benefits them?
Thanks again
Kimbal
Sarah –
Thanks for your order of pruning scissors Kimbal,
As I understand it a normal light is not of the wavelength that can be used during photosynthesis.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Elena –
Hi, I’ve been given a beautiful bonsai for Christmas with a book, pruning scissors and food.
I’ve noticed a big shoot at the half way mark above the roots but below the first bend.
It’s rather long with leaves and I feel it’s not in a very good place, should I remove it?
Kind regards,
Elena.
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Elena,
Yes it sounds like it is growing in the wrong place so please remove the shoot,
kind regards
Bonsai Direct
Destany –
Hi, i have recently bought my first bonsai tree and well, the leaves are starting to wither and fall off. I am unsure of the type of bonsai i have bough, but the moss around it is starting to become hard and discolored too. Ive tried watering it and it seemed to do nothing for it.
Bonsai Direct –
Dear Destany,
Please could you send me a photo so we can try and identify it for you and help with the problem,
many thanks
Sarah
sarah@bonsaidirect.co.uk
Irvine Herb –
Since most of the bonsai trees require high humidity level I usually place a small water filled container below it(if the room’s dryness is below average) so the evaporations hit it well. This tends to really improve the small tree’s health(they look lively and thrive). At times I would leave them in the bathroom next to the window at indirect sun light. Do you have any remarks?
Regards, Irvine, a garden maintenance expert.
Christiano –
Hello all.
I hope you’re all well.
I need help with my indoor bonsai. It is a Japan Pepper Zanthoxylum Piperitum and it has been really weird, recently. I think it is dying.
I have some pictures to help if you need.
The leaves are looking droopy and they are dropping off.
We tried to put some water and bonsai food a couple of days ago and it doesn’t seen to be helping. To be honest, I think the bonsai looks worse than before. We read some comments about how to look after it and in one of this comments someone said about make some holes on the ground to help the roots breathe. The soil now is moist, but the leaves are even paler and droopier.
We just don’t know what to do anymore.
Any idea what can I do to save it, please?
bonsaidirect –
Dear Christian,
It sounds like your Pepper Tree may be suffering from over-watering.
The symptoms look similar to under-watering because the roots start to rot and become inefficient and cannot take water up properly.
If it is over-watering the bonsai also become a little loose in the pot.
If you want us to check this please send a photo to info@bonsaidirect.co.uk or ask the nursery that you purchased the bonsai from.
I hope this helps
kind regards
Sarah
Emma –
We have a whole new branch grown on our chinese elm. It is quite tall and grows straight upwards. We want to train it but all the videos we have seen ahow the wiring being done to established branches. Oura is still pale green. Should we trim it to stop it getting any tallee abd wait for it to be more rstablished and the branch to get bark before training?
bonsaidirect –
Dear Emma,
If you want to train a new branch, please allow it to grow far far too long.
It will then thicken. Once a bit thicker you can then wire it to shape and prune it back in length.
I hope this helps
Bonsai Direct
tree trimming –
This was a excellent informative post you have shared on this page about the look of indoor
Place your bonsai on a humidity tray. This will catch the water draining through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This water will create some humidity around your bonsai, especially when the central heating is on. Please take care that the tray does not overflow onto your furniture and make sure that your bonsai does not sit in the water. If bonsai sit in water this can rot the roots and the bonsai tree can become weak.
Thanks.
Mehedi –
very nice
Ellie R –
Hi, I’ve just bought my first Bonsai Tree it is a Carmona Retusa. There is a branch near the bottom of the tree growing downwards outside of the pot whereas the rest are higher up and going either horizontal or upwards. I am unsure whether to prune this? It is a woody branch so has been left to grow there for a while. Thank you
Sarah Noall –
Hi Ellie, i am not sure if this is a Carmona or ficus retusa but if you do mot like the lower branch, then please remove it.
Styling is personal and you need to like the flow of the trunk. Kind regards Sarah
Minna Alaluusua –
Hi,
I just bought a mandarin bonsai tree with normal size mandarins hanging from it. The height of its visible part is only 30 cm, but seven normal size mandarins are hanging from it. The radius of the mandarins are 17 to 18 cm.
It is growing in a small pot.
How often shall I water it? How shall I water it?
What kind of fertilizers and/or nutrients should I use?
Thank you very much for your info!
Yours, Minna
Lloyd Noall –
Hi Minna,
I think you need to ask advice from the person you purchased the bonsai from.
I would be concerned that the amount of fruit for a small bonsai is too much.
I am sorry but we do not specialise in citrus trees so I do not want to give you the wrong information,
kind regards
Sarah
pete –
can i send u a picture as i dont no what tree i have
Holly –
yes of course
Rebecca –
Hiya, I have just bought my first bonsai tree and it has wilted already 🙁 I think it may be because I didn’t water it enough but I was wondering when I know when to repot it?
Lloyd Noall –
Hi Rebecca,
Would you be able to send us a couple of photos of the tree to info@bonsaidirect.co.uk? That will be the easiest way for us to give you some accurate help.
Thanks,
Lloyd
Anthony –
i am reviving (hopefully) a fukien tea bonsai tree and not sure how to care for it from dying . have any suggestions about watering and fertilizing or any suggestions at all.
Thank you.
Holly –
Hi Anthony,
The biggest part of caring for a sick bonsai is to get the watering right. Please keep the soil just damp at all times and do not let it dry out or get too wet. Fukien Tea trees prefer to be just about damp and not wet.
Please spray the leaves and branches daily with water to increase the humidity around the bonsai; this will hopefully encourage new buds to form.
If the bonsai has very few leaves, we would recommend not feeding until it has recovered a little.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Bonsai Direct
Sandra –
Are bonsai myrtles deciduous?
Sarah Noall –
Hi Sandra,
We grow our myrtles indoors and they are evergreen.
Kind regards,
Olea
David –
I have roots growing out of the pot underneath
Bonsai Direct –
Hi David,
It is very common for the roots to grow out of the holes in the pot, and this is not usually a problem and you can leave them as they are. Depending on how long you have had it, it may need repotting, but I would not be too concerned if the tree still looks proportional to the pot.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Bonsai Direct
Alan –
I have a Fujian Tea bonsai, a bit over ten years, and unfortunately my vacation water system did not work and it completely dried out while I was gone for 10 days (about a month ago). Lost all leaves. Now, it has about 5-6 new leaves, just by main trunk (not yet on extended branches). I am wondering if I should re-pot now, or wait for further recovery. Also wondering if I should cut back dead branches now (hard to tell what is fully dead), or wait a few months so that I can more confidently know where the dead stops, or is it ok to leave dead branches? Any advice much appreciated. best wishes.
Holly –
Hi Alan,
I am sorry to hear about your bonsai.
I would not re-pot the bonsai as I believe this could further stress the tree when it is trying to recover.
Please do not be inclined to over-water it. Keep the soil barely damp to the touch and mist the branches daily with water to try to increase the humidity.
I would not remove any ‘dead’ branches as it may surprise you and bud back. For the next year please allow any leaves to grow (even if they are in the wrong place) as any growth is positive and will give the bonsai more vigour to become stronger.
We hope this helps
kind regards Bonsai Direct Team
Kaleigh –
I have a Chinese privet bonsai, which I was told to water by filling a bowl with water and letting the bonsai sit in the water for a few minutes.
I had been doing this successfully for almost a year, but last month I accidentally left the bonsai in the water for several hours. It took about two weeks for the soil to dry out.
After letting the soil dry out, I have been following my normal routine of watering it for the last months.
But all the leaves have fallen off and I am not seeing any new growth.
Today I tried doing a test to scratch the bark and see if it was still green underneath, and my bonsai is still green.
I have been doing some research and most of what I read said to replant the bonsai with sphagnum moss, to remove all dead leaves so it can focus on new growth, and cut back the branches to stimulate growth.
I was planning to repot the bonsai this spring before the overwatering incident. When we bought the bonsai it seemed to have been in the store for quite some time before we bought it. The bonsai had not been trimmed or rewired in a long time (the wire was thin and completely rusted) and the roots seemed pot bound. But I bought the bonsai in May and I live in Greece, where the summers are extremely hot, so it didn’t seem like a good time to repot.
Once again, this is a Chinese privet, about 9 years old, and I keep it outdoors.
Should I repot the bonsai and cut back the branches?
Holly –
Hi Kayleigh.
The Chinese Privet is a species which has vigorous growth and will undoubtedly need repotting/ root pruning.
Please could you kindly send a quick photo so we can see if the bonsai in strong enough to do this? Is there any sign of new leaves?
thanks
Bonsai Direct
help@bonsaidirect.co.uk
N –
Hi, I just bought a bonsai tree from a superstore. its relatively small but it says on the label to water once a week but im not sure whether to follow that according to your instructions. also can i keep it in my room on my desk. my room gets light but not direct sunlight, i face south and live in England
Bonsai Direct –
Hi,
Please check the bonsai daily for water and keep the soil just damp to the touch. Here is a link to our watering video, which you may find helpful:
https://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/bonsai-care-advice/bonsai-care-information/how-do-i-water-my-indoor-bonsai-tree-2/
I should think the bonsai will be fine on your desk as long as it is getting natural daylight.
I hope this helps,
Kind Regards,
Bonsai Direct
Sarah Baker –
I have had 4 bonsai trees from Bonsai Direct and they are all thriving. Be careful not to over water.i asked my friend to look after them whilst I was on holiday and that is what she did.
Sarah Samuels –
I found this really helpful – thank you so much. I purchased a twisty 12 year old Fukien Tea Tree and I love it. The information has helped me learn how to care for it. Thanks so much Sarah
Connor Williams –
A Delightful Bonsai Experience: Easy Care and Helpful Guidance from Bonsai Direct
I am thrilled to express my utmost delight with the bonsai tree I recently received from Bonsai Direct. Not only is the tree itself really pretty, but the overall experience of caring for it has been incredibly enjoyable and hassle-free.
From the moment I opened the package, I could tell that great care had been taken in the tree’s delivery. The bonsai arrived in impeccable condition, securely packaged to ensure its safety during transit. Along with the tree, I received a care sheet that provided clear and concise instructions on how to properly nurture and maintain the bonsai.
The care sheet, coupled with the wealth of information available online, has proven to be an invaluable resource. Bonsai Direct’s dedication to providing comprehensive guidance has made the entire process effortless for me as a bonsai novice. Any questions or uncertainties I had were quickly resolved by referring to the detailed online information.
The exceptional customer service provided by Bonsai Direct is commendable. They truly understand the needs of their customers and have gone above and beyond to ensure a positive experience. Their attention to detail, prompt responses, and commitment to customer satisfaction are highly appreciated.
Office Admin –
Dear Connor, Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful feedback regarding your recent experience with Bonsai Direct. We are thrilled to hear that you are delighted with the bonsai tree you received and that our care sheet and online information have been helpful in your bonsai journey.
At Bonsai Direct, we strive to provide not only high-quality bonsai trees but also comprehensive guidance and support to our customers. We are delighted that our efforts have made caring for your bonsai an enjoyable and hassle-free experience.
Your appreciation for our attention to detail, prompt responses, and commitment to customer satisfaction means a lot to us. We are dedicated to ensuring that each customer has a positive experience from start to finish.
If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are always here to help and support you on your bonsai journey.
Thank you again for choosing Bonsai Direct. We truly value your feedback and look forward to serving you in the future.
Best regards,
The Bonsai Direct Team
Amber –
This care and advice help section on the website is really helpful. It’s easy to understand and has simple instructions. They provide all the information I need to take care of my bonsai properly. I appreciate how they explain things step by step, so even beginners like me can follow along. The pictures and diagrams are also clear, making it even easier to learn. I feel more confident in caring for my bonsai now, thanks to Bonsai Direct’s helpful advice.
Office Admin –
Thank you, Amber, for your kind words about our care and advice help section. We’re thrilled to hear that it has been helpful to you in understanding how to care for your bonsai. We strive to provide clear and simple instructions, along with helpful visuals, to make bonsai care accessible to everyone, especially beginners. Your confidence in caring for your bonsai is our ultimate goal. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy bonsai growing!
Best regards,
The Bonsai Direct Team
Lisa Conroy –
I cannot thank you enough for the wealth of knowledge and resources you’ve provided on this website. It has been an invaluable resource, and I’m truly grateful for the time and effort you’ve invested in sharing your expertise. It’s evident that they have a deep understanding of the subject matter and a passion for sharing knowledge. Keep up the fantastic work! Great Thanks!
Bruce Coker –
Hi,
I’ve learned so much reading through all these comments and your helpful replies!
I just got my first bonsai – a 35cm tall podocarpus (maybe 10-15 years old?) – which looks really well and healthy. But I have two questions which I’m hoping you could help me with please.
First, I’ve noticed some tiny white roots emerging from the top of the soil. Is this a problem and what, if anything, should I do about it? I think the tree could probably do with a repot, but I’m unsure whether I should do this now or give it a chance to acclimatise to its new environment first.
And second – I want to do some structural pruning. Can I start this now or should I wait till the spring?
Thanks so much for your help,
Bruce
Sarah Noall –
Hi Bruce, Thanks for your enquiry.
The white roots on top of the soil are just new roots. This does not mean there is anything wrong. Often we expose roots as they become more substantial to make a feature. This is not usually the young new white tips but the older woody roots. Does it need repotting? Is the root ball literally full of root or is there still room to grow in the soil? If you feel the root ball is solid with root it maybe best to repot into a larger pot. After repotting ensure you soak the entire root ball. ie the new soil and old soil. From then on sprinkle water over both the original root ball and new soil as required (just maintain dampness). If it will hold, the repotting is best done around May time, but it can be done now if desperate.
Structural pruning is best done during Spring. In spring it will then rebud and provide new shoots.
I hope this helps, kind regards Sarah
Bruce Coker –
Hi Sarah,
I can’t seem to reply directly to your comment – just wanted to say thank you for your helpful reply. I really appreciate you taking the time, as there seems to be relatively little about this species in all the millions of bonsai-related words online.
The tree looks like it’s doing fine and there’s still root-room in the pot (it was scary taking it out!), so I’ll leave it well alone till the spring as you suggest.
Thanks again,
Bruce