Help my umbrella tree

[efaith3well]

Hi all! I got my husband a schefferra for Father's day this year because it is supposed to be a sturdy, unkillable bonsai. Unfortunately we seen to be killing it anyway at first we thought it was overwatered., so we let the soil dry out and now just water when the soil is bone dry. We inched it closer to more light and have treated it with a fungicide. Unfortunately it just keeps loosing more foliage and looks worse and worse. Does anyone have suggestions? I feel so bad for my husband LOL. Thanks!

 

[rockm]

Is the soil on top a top dressing or is that the soil the plant is in all the way through? If there is a different soil (which might be denser and muddier) underneath the top then that is what is likely causing the problem.

Was this purchased from a local bonsai vendor (mall store, roadside seller, big box store etc)?

 

[efaith3well]

Is the soil on top a top dressing or is that the soil the plant is in all the way through? If there is a different soil (which might be denser and muddier) underneath the top then that is what is likely causing the problem.

Was this purchased from a local bonsai vendor (mall store, roadside seller, big box store etc)?

I believe the stuff on top are small rocks, it's not the soil. The soil underneath is definitely dense but not wet! We got it from Green Bonsai through the mail. Thank you for answering!

 

[rockm]

I believe the stuff on top are small rocks, it's not the soil. The soil underneath is definitely dense but not wet! We got it from Green Bonsai through the mail. Thank you for answering!

Take a pic of the “real” soil. If it’s dense it will remain soggy if watered constantly. It will also be difficult to re-wet once it is left to dry out.

The tree likely needs a repotting into regular bonsai soil. NOW is the time to do that. Hot humid weather is prime time to repot tropicals. Once repotted You should also think about placing the plant outside for the rest of the summer. Site it where it gets four to six hours of sun.