Our bonsai is loosing leaves... HELP !

[HeroAKKD]

My partner brought a bonsai home last fall, we're not sure of the type, we think it could be ligustrum (privet) or barbados cherry. Recently our plant has started to wither and we find it really difficult to figure out our next step, as this is our first bonsai we've been reading a lot of guidance from books how to revive our plant, and we are thinking of root punting soon as we think the roots might be rotten. but we not sure what the best soil would be to use ? I also read about not fertilising bonsai's until they get better ? We would appreciate any kind of help. thank you.

 

[rockm]

Your soil is waaay too wet and you're keeping the tree inside. Both are huge contributors to your problems. Bonsai are NOT houseplants. Some tree species with tropical origins CAN be kept inside, but it is not easy. this looks like a privet to me. It should be outdoors.

The next issue is the soil. Starter bonsai like this one are almost always planted in extremely poor soil that doesn't drain. All that standing moisture smothers roots and rots them.

 

[markyscott]

I’m going to guess Chinese sweet plum. In terms of care, listen to rockm. Your tree is rotting in the dark.

S

 

[HeroAKKD]

We were told by the seller that this is a indoor plant, although you are probably right. The bonsai is 10 years old, and was watered just before the picture was taken. We live in London and the weather conditions are a bit too cold and moist i believe ?
And thank you the next step we will take is to replant the bonsai and change the soil, the soil we just brought is bonsai focus repotting mix. what next step you would recommend ?

 

[markyscott]

Sweet plum should be fine out of doors in London right now, but there will be long stretches when you’ll have to bring it inside. Replacing the sun inside is hard. You’ll need to learn about growth lights. There are some small shelf or desktop systems that are affordable.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

It’s a privet, hardy enough to stay outside, but same goes on care.

 

[HeroAKKD]

apart from taking the plant outside is there anything else you would suggest to do to recover the plant ?

 

[theone420]

apart from taking the plant outside is there anything else you would suggest to do to recover the plant ?

leave it be and let it do its thing. over working a sick tree will kill it. right now sun, humidity, fresh air, and water when it needs it, is all you should have to worry about. DO NOT OVER WATER!

 

[HeroAKKD]

thank you all for the the quick reply's