Does anyone know about bonsai trees?

[Icystars]

A relative has gone into hospital and I’m looking after the bonsai tree but I think it’s dead 😬. I didn’t get to it straight away and I’ve had it a while but it hasn’t had any new green leaves at all.

any tips?

It’s still winter. Not all trees have their leaves yet. Can you tell us more about it? Indoor or outdoor? Does it have any leaves?

And what sort of tree is it? How long have you had it and what have you done for it?

A picture would help.

It’s an indoor tree. I’m not sure what kind. Will look when I’m home and see if there’s a label. Not sure there is. It has dead leaves on it and has since about September.

Ive googled and seen not to over water so I’ve been giving it water a couple of times a week rather than daily. I’ve also put it in the ‘sunniest’ spot in the house but obviously there isn’t much sun at the moment. Hoping it perks up as spring hits as would really like it to survive as the person is very fond of it.

First, you need to check whether there are any signs of life. With your fingernail, gently scrape away at the bark on one of the branches to see if there is any green showing underneath. Try in several places if you have no luck to start with. If there is some green there, then you are in luck and it will probably recover.

The soil may look damp on the surface, but in the middle it is probably as dry as a bone. Get yourself a washing-up bowl and put the tree plus pot in the bowl. Then fill the bowl with cold water so that it completely covers the pot and all the soil. Wait until all the air bubbles stop (it could take several minutes), then take it out, and put it on the draining board until all the excess water has drained out of the hole in the bottom of the pot. There should be a 20p-sized large hole, possibly two, in the base of the pot. That's why bonsai pots have large holes, to let excess water drain out.

Then put it in a light place, out of direct sunlight, draughts, and away from sources of heat like a radiator, and keep your fingers crossed.

If it's a Chinese Elm, then there may still be a chance, and after 2-3 weeks, you could see tiny green shoots start to appear all over. If it is any other variety, it's probably had it. If you do see new growth, then water it again normally and treat as you would a houseplant. You often find that water poured on the top will just run down the sides of the rootball and out of the bottom without actually wetting the soil, so periodically do the washing-up bowl trick just to make sure.

We were given an indoor bonsai tree as a present. More trouble than a puppy. Only lasted about a year but we were forever fussing over it, too much water, not enough water, too much sun etc. I’m sure there are plenty of people who look after them successfully but not us.

I've got a garden full of the things, and all mine live outdoors pretty much all year round unless it gets below -5 when I move a few into the potting shed. The indoor ones are more trouble than they are worth, and most bonsai enthusiasts don't grow them at all.

Thanks. I will try this when I get home. I really hope it’s ok.

I would post on your local facebook page and ask if there is anyone who grows bonsais that would have a look and advice you.

It’s an Ulmus Parvifolia. I can’t scratch the bark off. It’s too hard

That's the Latin name for Chinese elm. Try cutting one of the thinnest twigs and see whether it is brown and brittle or whether it is bendy. Use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors to scrape a thin layer of bark off the twig.

With luck, when it losts its leaves in September it has just gone into winter dormancy. They are deciduous trees just like any ordinary outdoor tree, and it may have decided to wait until spring before putting on new growth. I keep mine outdoors all year round and they are just springing into life now.

Please try what I suggested with the dunking thing, and keep everything crossed. 🙂

I have done the dunking and it’s currently draining. Fingers crossed as spring approaches it will come back to life.

thanks for your help.

@Icystars Best of luck. If you google 'how to revive a chinese elm bonsai tree' there are a whole bunch of hits, most of which advise much the same as I mentioned already, so have a read.

If it really is dead, then message me and I can let you have the names of a couple of the best bonsai nurseries in the UK if you decide to replace it.

Also, if you happen to be anywhere near the K2 Arena in Crawley on the 14th April there is a national bonsai exhibition. I'll be there! If you are elsewhere in the country, look at the event calendar on the UK Bonsai Association website for events all over the country and internationally this year. UKBA is free to join as well, and they email you regular updates.

Before you buy a bonsai tree just make sure you are not buying a full size tree that is far away.

@TheCadoganArms 😂🌱🌿🌳

Jic

Our cat has seen off several bonsai trees. She would jump up and chew the ends of the leaves. So beware! Protect any new growth from evil cats 🐈‍⬛

Cats have a liking for spider plants as well, or anything with thin strappy leaves really.

While we are on the topic of cats, please could I take this opportunity to remind you all that LILIES ARE TOXIC TO CATS. They don't even have to nibble the plant, just getting some of the pollen on their fur and licking it off can be fatal.

J

Just a little update. I can’t see any changes in tree since I last posted.

unfortunately the person who’s tree it was has now passed away so I’m even more sad that I haven’t been able to keep it going so I’d have a nice memory.