What should I be doing to care for my bonsai plant?
Long story short, it seems to be dying. I have tried moving the plant to different areas of the house to varying levels of success.
There are still smaller leaves growing, but there are also some dry, older leaves. These older leaves feel brittle but do not fall off easily like dead leaves usually do.
Should I prune these leaves? What am I doing wrong?
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M$2 Answers
1. Water it properly and don't water it too often only when the soil is dry.
2. Try misting the tree because it will thrive well in a humid environment.
3. Place it permanently in a location where there is a lot of sun.
4. Fertilize your tree 2-3 times a year to keep it healthy and grow. It is best to fertilize it during Spring or Fall. Be sure that the fertilizer has nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash.
5. Trim and prune your to keep the original shape and keep it balanced with the root system.
6. Train your tree using rope or copper wire to help you shape the plant and form branches in the shape and direction desired. Wrap the wire closely to the branch but not to close so that it won't cut the bark.
7. You should be aware that bonsai does not like traditional potting soil so be sure to use bonsai soil.
8. Repot it every five years by taking the plant out of the pot, shake off excess dirt and clip the roots back to size that will fit the container. Keep the plant from the sun for one week after cutting the roots.
9. Protect your tree from diseases and bugs.
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M$
Additionally there are a series of bonsai related articles that address specific issues growers of bonsai deal with http://www.bonsai-garden.com/bonsai-articles.htm
Goodluck!
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M$
