Help! Bonsai is dieing :(

[Omar123]

I bought a bonsai for my mom. Lately she has moved its location around I think she may have over watered it once.

It is wilting a lot and the leaves are losing their deeper green colouration.

Its been with her for about 4 months, but only in the last couple of weeks, has it deteriorated. She put it outside one day too, now I'm not sure if this caused the problem, or if she did this to try and help it.

I'm not sure of the specific type of bonsai, but have a look at the pics, that may help.

 

[Omar123]

Anyone?

 

[Bonsai Nut]

If I had to guess, it appears like root problems. Could be caused by not watering, and the roots die, or by overwatering, and the roots die.

It is really important, when keeping trees in containers, to make sure they are planted in good soil and that the container allows good drainage. I would gently check the soil to make sure water can drain through the pot, and that the tree is not root-bound.

 

[Omar123]

Well, i don't think there are any holes at the bottom of the pot.

What do you mean by root-bound?

Also, if there are issues with the roots, what should I do?

 

[Eckhoffw]

Hmmmm. Emerald tree?

Like @Bonsai Nut said, probably root problems and In need of a new container/ soil set up.
May I ask where the plant was purchased?

 

[Omar123]

Just a local flower shop.

So, if I put it in a new container/new soil...should I continue to keep it indoors, if so, where? Or should I consider moving it outside?

 

[Eckhoffw]

I’m not familiar with your trees care needs, but definitely new soil and - is there a pot nestled within a pot there?
Anyways? Use free draining soil and a pot with plenty of drainage as well.

Adding your location/climate zone in yer profile so peeps can give u info to suit your plants situation.
If weather permits, put it outside.
I’m guessing you’ll get some more specific info on your particular plant soon which will also help guide your care regime.

Good luck and welcome!

 

[Omar123]

Okay, so this is what it looks like...the soil feels moist, but i disturbed it in the pic, so there are some visible dry bits. Going to change the soil now

 

[Eckhoffw]

You may want to just replace the loose soil and not disturb the roots too much. I feel just getting it out of the white pot will really help let it breathe.

 

[Omar123]

So, putting it in a larger pot to help it breathe?

 

[Eckhoffw]

I would gently pull the plant out from plastic container. Then inspect roots for health. If I see some that look dark and mushy, they are rotten and can be removed. Gently remove any funky looking soil, and soil that easily falls apart around root ball.
then it could be put in larger pot with new soil put in at bottom and around sides.
I wouldn’t try to remove all the old soil in fear of stressing the plant further.

 

[leatherback]

Ah well.. As I wrote in another forum earlier.. Root issues. Put in the shade. KEep the soil moist not wet. And wait. Repotting is not going to help but damage the roots more. Most likely the plant was not watered enough and dried out at some point.

 

[Omar123]

Okay, so I removed the old soil, which came off without too much effort. The roots were definitely longer than the length of the white pot. So they all looked pretty dry, solid...I've now put it in the new orange container, which is a lot taller, with new soil, as can be seen in the pic.

I've positioned it on the dining table, where it can get sunlight.

 

[Omar123]

should I reposition it in the shade? @leatherback

 

[leatherback]

should I reposition it in the shade? @leatherback

Does it matter what I think now? I think I gave my recommendations several hours ago somewhere else.

 

[Eckhoffw]

If your going to leave it inside, I would leave it in the sunny spot as it won’t be that intense.
if outside, leave in the shade for a week or so and then step up exposure to direct sun slowly.

should eventually get outside though if you want health to truly be restored.

 

[Omar123]

Okay, I will put it outside. Its not particularly sunny here in England at present. I live in a city in the Midlands, so its not particularly humid.

As its not that sunny, should I still put it in the shade?

 

[Eckhoffw]

Okay, I will put it outside. Its not particularly sunny here in England at present. I live in a city in the Midlands, so its not particularly humid.

As its not that sunny, should I still put it in the shade?

Indirect light is ok. Immediate Direct sun is to harsh for any plant that has come from the indoors.
especially with pending issues.

 

[Omar123]

Okay, let's give it a go and monitor it. I'm guessing it will take some time before I notice improvement. As a rough measure, how long can I expect it to take for its health to recover?

 

[leatherback]

IF it is witeria, I would expect to see some signs over the next 2-4 weeks