A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 Bonsai Tree - dying?

I have a small Juniper Bonsai that looks like its dying. The branches are slowly drying out and there is hardly any new growth on it, I only got the tree at Christmas and it come with a book about Bonsai's I've followed instructions but it does seem to be doing any better, I water it every few days in the winter and every other day in the summer, but most of the water runs straight through to the pot and comes out the bottom, I mist it occassionally too.

Does any one have any ideas on making my tree healthier?

Is it inside, or outside? Cuz most bonsais do better outside. I think it also needs to be misted regularly. That way, it'll simulate rainwater collecting on the leaves, and the tree will have more time to absorb the water.

*thinks* hmmmmmmmmmmm what else... oh ya, i think it also needs a 20 degree temperature change between day and night.

I donno if that helps, but hopefully someone else will come by with more info.

Good luck with it!

Two thoughts come to mind (1) the soil has become hydophobic That is it has dried to the point that water will not adhear to the soil particles. However this seems unlikely given the frequency of watering. However if this is the issue soak the entire pot (i.e. set the pot in a bucket of water) you can add a drop or two of dish soap to help the soil absorbe water. OK as to idea (2), this seems far more likely to me, that the plant has become root bound. Given the nature of bonzi plants they need to be root pruned reguallary. When a plant fills its pot with roots there basicaly is not sufficent soil to retain the moisture. Pop the little guy out and look at the roots if they are not white healthy I think this is likely your issle. Good luck.

Hmm, I hadn't thought of looking at the roots, I will give that a try tonight, thanks