dovie

Okay, so I've always loved the idea of having a bonsai. So, when we first moved to Germany, we were walking downtown and saw a bonsai store. I told my husband I wanted one. Sure enough I got one for my birthday, which was March 24. It's been fine up until a few days ago. I have no idea what I did to it, but most of the leaves are wilting up and falling off! I keep the pebbles wet. But I have no idea if I'm over or under watering it. If it's getting little or too much sunlight. Someone please, give me some advice.

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Mike423

Sounds like a classic case of over watering. The soil should be allowed to almost completely dry (but NOT completely) with just the slightest hint of moisture left before watering. Sticking you finger in the soil up to the first knuckle to test for moisture. A good learning tool is to place a chop stick in the soil near the edge of the pot, check the stick daily when the stick is dry its time to water. get accustomed to what the soil feels like at this time and after practice you will no longer need the chopstick.

Sir Speedy

Doesnt have to be a chopstick by the way. Anything that soaks up a little water will work, toothpick, skewer etc.

(Not trying to undermine what you said Mike, just thowing out other options)

Phil

Pebbles?! Just to interject something very quickly here is that you first get rid of the pebbles right away! Bonsai trees sold in stores often have glued on pebbles to make shipping easier to prevent any loss of soil and should immediately be removed.

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dovie

Phil, those aren't pebbles. It's the soil that the tree came with. I'll try the stick thing.

And how much light is it supposed to be getting? I mean, some things say some light, some say indirect light... Like how many hours a day should it be getting light?

Phil

OK, I wasn’t going by the picture, but by what you said in your post; “I keep the pebbles wet.”


Often trees that come from bonsai nurseries, or as I call them; bonsai mills, slap small pebbles on the surface with some type of spray on glue. People who don’t know any better assume that the pebbles are meant to be there and actually like the look, whereas in reality they are very detrimental to the tree.

HERE is a good care sheet for Sageretia, and perhaps it may give you some answers. Also an excellent source for general bonsai care by Brent Walston.

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

Mrhalocreeper

Reed this
and do only that.do not to custom stuff and you bonsai will be perfect. For more information searsh web or forums. Google is your friend..