Bonsai question...

cndnchck · #1 October 30th, 2009, 11:51 AM

I have a small bonsai tree and every day or two, I find a leaf that has fallen off. The weird part is that the leaf is not brown or dead; it is a small, fresh one. Is this normal?

I have the watering down to an art now that they invented those "water globes". I thought my plant was a goner until I bought those and now it is thriving and full of big green leaves. So, I don't think this is the reason for the leaves, as it otherwise seems healthy.

**corcor** · #2 November 2nd, 2009, 12:15 AM

Sounds like shock to me, when a bonsai is moved to different conditions it will shed live green leaves, if you have moved it recently or just bought it thats probably the cause.

Another possibility is insufficent light, when a tree doesn't recieve enough light the outer and upper leaves grow larger while shedding the inner and lower leaves. This is a more efficient way of collecting light for a tree when it doesn't get enough. If this is the problem then some supplimental lighting is probably in order.

I don't know of anyone who uses those aqua globes in bonsai, but I know a lady who has and she didn't like it one bit. Bonsai are normally allowed to dry a bit between waterings. BUT...just because it doesn't work for her doesn't mean it won't work for you...If it keeps your bonsai alive why should you change it...I will say this though, keep an eye on it for yellowing leaves, the yellow will start at the veins and work it's way out to cover all the leaf...this is a good sign that the tree is getting too much water

the method I use to check if my bonsai needs watered is the chopstick method...stick a chopstick into the soil for about 3mins, pull it out and if it's damp don't water it, but if it's dry water it...hope this helps...let me know how it goes

cndnchck · #3 November 2nd, 2009, 12:10 PM

We actually just moved a couple weeks ago and I've been noticing this since being in the new place.

That being said, it is also place on top of the kitchen cupboards (so the 2 kitties can't get at it), so I wonder about the light issue too. Also, it definitely has large outer leaves and smaller inner leaves, but only on one side. Hmm, strange.

Maybe I'll just keep an eye on it over the next bit and if it gets better, then I can blame it on the move, but if not, then maybe I should put it somewhere else with better light.

What do you think?

**togata57** · #4 November 2nd, 2009, 12:21 PM

What kind of plant is it? Genus/species?

cndnchck · #5 November 2nd, 2009, 12:29 PM

I have no idea. How do I tell?

**togata57** · #6 November 2nd, 2009, 12:30 PM

Post us a photo!