Bonsai Tree leaves turning brown?

Question

I have a small bonsai tree that was a gift. It was doing well for about 8 months, and now it's leaves are turning brown and falling off. I water it every 2 days and spray the leaves with water. It sits on my kitchen table but not in direct sunlight. Any help? I love my tree!!!

Answer 1

Fluffernu is right. It is probably going through its normal dormancy from sensing the natural light becoming less strong and the lower house temperature. If it is deciduous, this is reflected in total leaf drop. In coniferous trees, they experience partial needle drop in a semi-dormant state. You didn't indicate what type of tree you have, or your climate. Also, most bonsai, since they are trees, need to have the exposure to the outdoors to fulfill the normal dormancy they must experience as a part of the rest in their life cycle. It's like taking a bear out of hibernation and expecting it to live without its natural rest period. So allow the tree to experience its natural living conditions by placing it in a cool place in indirect light. You could even put it in an unheated shed or crawl space. Living in indoor heat at this time would be unnatural and possibly detrimental to the health of a tree. Remember, when you grow a plant, for maximum success, you must duplicate as much as possible its natural growing conditions. So most of us grow tropical plants which never experience a harsh winter and easily acclimatize to indoor conditions. For success with trees grown indoors, duplicate the conditions that they would normally experience at this time of year. Don't just put the tree out in the cold, either; it should slowly be acclimatized to cooler and less lit conditions as a tree growing outdoors would, by slowly decreasing the temps and light a little each day, until it remains in dormancy for the winter. In spring, introduce it to warmer conditions by doing the same thing. If bringing indoors after being outside, check for hatching bugs, as it may need a drenching with insecticide, trying for natural treatments as much as possible. There are also repotting and root pruning techniques that can be learned from a bonsai reference book. I've grown bonsai for years, and proper care will result in a very satisfying hobby, and the trees can be passed down from generation to generation with knowledge of their needs and specific care. There is also much information from web searches. Good luck.

Answer 2

Do you know the plant species. Is it an evergreen tree or a deciduous that naturally drops it's leaves?

I'm thinking it might not be getting enough light if it is an evergreen that is meant to be outside. So many are junipers that are better outside. Major growers put the plants under a shade structure providing more light that what enters a house, but not so much as to dry the plant out quickly.

Spraying foliage with water can cause salt to build up on the foliage. Instead put the plants on a tray with gravel. Set the plant on the gravel, but keep water in the tray, below the plant pot's bottom.

Answer 3

is the soil well drained? you might want take it out and check its roots to make sure its growing properly. you can try a quick fix of a heavy nitrogen food like an orchid mix if the roots are bad but it sounds like its in its last days. not knowing what kind of plant it is it might need more sun. plants have different preferences.

Answer 4

Too much water not enough sunlight and air find the spot outside where it gets the most sun and move it out there if you live in a cold state then cover it with clear plastic we keep ours in the greenhouse all winter and outside the rest of the year. good luck

Answer 5

NEED A BIGGER POT