BRT is starting to defoliate.

[MikeArbor]

Hello All,
I am new to Bonsai and excited to begin my journey. I picked this unique tree 3 days ago. The was a bit chlorotic in some spots and wasn't a concern of mine at the time. The owner mentioned the tree was repotted about 8 weeks ago. He said he may have over-fertilized it. The moisture seems moist/ optimal. I gave it a light water when I got home. The temps were high, and I placed the tree in 60% shade. The tree is progressively turning yellow and shedding leaves slowly. I notice the stems have tiny nodes where the leaf drops off. I am moderating and only watering when I feel the tree is about 10% hydrated. TIA for any helpful tips. I would love to save this Beauty.
I live in New Jersey area.

 

[Hack Yeah!]

Welcome to the site, they are persnikity about moving around. Likely doesn't indicate much. Just continue your care and be ready to move it indoors before your nighttime temps drop below 40F

@sorce , @HorseloverFat , roll out the welcome mat

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Doesn't look too bad to me... but there isn't a lot of foliage on the tree for a tree that size. Make sure you don't let it dry out. These are true tropicals and are used to daily rain. If it is only shedding inner leaves, it may just be the normal process of growth. Otherwise leave it alone and let it grow until it looks like a mop.

 

[MikeArbor]

Doesn't look too bad to me... but there isn't a lot of foliage on the tree for a tree that size. Make sure you don't let it dry out. These are true tropicals and are used to daily rain. If it is only shedding inner leaves, it may just be the normal process of growth. Otherwise leave it alone and let it grow until it looks like a mop.

Just curious. I see a lot of threads about not overwatering use. Is that for people who don't have a lot of macro pore space? Also, is it a good idea to mist the leaves once in a while?

 

[Clicio]

You could water it more often, and yes, they enjoy being wet, so misting is a plus.
As said, they don't like being moved around, so keep watering and be patient.

 

[Paradox]

Its the "I got moved to a new place so I'm going to freak out" thing BRT do sometimes

 

[WNC Bonsai]

I keep mine in full sun and douse it thoroughly every day. I recently trimmed it for the second time this summer and it is starting another new flush. Yours may be reacting to being moved. Also watch the wire closely, BRT bark scars easily and takes forever to heal. I use guy wires and directional pruning to avoid scars.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Just curious. I see a lot of threads about not overwatering use. Is that for people who don't have a lot of macro pore space? Also, is it a good idea to mist the leaves once in a while?

Because you are in NJ, you are going to have two "seasons" for your BRT. Summer (outside) and winter (inside). When you have your tree outside, the hotter, sunnier, and more humid it is, the more your BRT will like it. You could probably water twice a day and your BRT would just be healthier for it. Like @Cofga , I just trimmed my BRT for the second time this summer because branches were twice is long as they should be. However when you move your BRT inside in the Fall, the tree will slow/stop growing, and watering needs will drop dramatically. It may partially defoliate and go almost completely dormant, even in a sunny window. At that time of year, you will want to be very careful you don't overwater and drown the tree. This is consistent with the tropical weather in Brazil. Though temperature doesn't vary greatly from month to month, most of Brazil experiences a dry season (when growth slows) and a wet season (when growth explodes).

 

[Clicio]

...most of Brazil experiences a dry season (when growth slows) and a wet season (when growth explodes).

I can confirm that information.
We are just finishing the dry season - winter - in the south of Brazil, and all my BRTs are still not happy at all.
Note that winter in the Northeast and North of Brazil is the wet season, opposite of what happens in colder places from São Paulo down south.

 

[Apex37]

I agree with giving them a good amount of sun. I’m in N. Texas and mine gets direct sun, no shade cloth until 2pm…just gotta be on top of watering.

 

[MikeArbor]

Fertilizing???
Can anyone recommend a good fertilizer to do? And how frequent. Also, is it a good idea to mist a foliar fertilizer?

 

[Clicio]

Fertilizing???
Can anyone recommend a good fertilizer to do? And how frequent. Also, is it a good idea to mist a foliar fertilizer?

I use Biogold and fish emulsion+seacrop (kelp) every fortnight

 

[Bonsai Nut]

"Por ejamplo"... as they say south of the border. Or "por exemplo" as they say in Brazil
(apologies in advance for the light foliage - I was using a systemic anti-fungal on my Japanese maples and used it on this BRT and it lightened up the foliage while creating crazy growth)

Before:



After:


This is just a BRT in development - I have only structurally wired it and then removed the wires before they scarred. Now I am just letting it chill for a bit to thicken up the upper part of the tree.

 

[Clicio]

"Por ejamplo"... as they say south of the border. Or "por exemplo" as they say in Brazil
(apologies in advance for the light foliage - I was using a systemic anti-fungal on my Japanese maples and used it on this BRT and it lightened up the foliage while creating crazy growth)

Before:
View attachment 503445


After:
View attachment 503446

This is just a BRT in development - I have only structurally wired it and then removed the wires before they scarred. Now I am just letting it chill for a bit to thicken up the upper part of the tree.

Now let's get down to business;
NAME this crazy foliar antifungal NOW, I need it !
What a beautiful BRT color!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I was using this - it is good for Japanese beetles and fungal issues on Japanese maples (at least for me).

 

[trigo]

Now let's get down to business;
NAME this crazy foliar antifungal NOW, I need it !
What a beautiful BRT color!

Here in brazil, you can buy "cercobin" it's the same active ingredient.

 

[trigo]

"Por ejamplo"... as they say south of the border. Or "por exemplo" as they say in Brazil
(apologies in advance for the light foliage - I was using a systemic anti-fungal on my Japanese maples and used it on this BRT and it lightened up the foliage while creating crazy growth)

Before:
View attachment 503445


After:
View attachment 503446

This is just a BRT in development - I have only structurally wired it and then removed the wires before they scarred. Now I am just letting it chill for a bit to thicken up the upper part of the tree.

great BRT man, better than most i see here in brazil.

 

[Carol 83]

"Por ejamplo"... as they say south of the border. Or "por exemplo" as they say in Brazil
(apologies in advance for the light foliage - I was using a systemic anti-fungal on my Japanese maples and used it on this BRT and it lightened up the foliage while creating crazy growth)

Before:
View attachment 503445


After:
View attachment 503446

This is just a BRT in development - I have only structurally wired it and then removed the wires before they scarred. Now I am just letting it chill for a bit to thicken up the upper part of the tree.

That's a really nice BRT, jealous.