help!!

I live in Wisconsin. I just got a bonsai (sorry don't know what kind) from my husband about a month ago. I'm afraid it is dieing and I am at my wits end. I have never had a plant to speak of and I honestly don't know what to do. The leaves are starting to fall off. Even the new ones it grows. I have been watering it almost everyday because it seems to get dry fast. It stays in the house now, because it is too cold outside. Thus, it isn't getting enough sun. Do I need a heat lamp or something? Please help me. I have absolutely no idea what to do. We got married this October and it's our first plant. That kind of makes it our first baby. If it dies, I will feel awful. I hope you can help me!

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Dr.Bonsai

Hi Melissa,

It is hard to give you specific advise without knowing what type of tree you have. *If it is a broadleaf plant, it is probably a serissa or ficus. *Both of these plants are prone to dropping leaves if they become stressed. *Too little light or too much water and they do the same thing.

You are correct that the indoor environment is very dark and dry for plants. *Your bonsai could benefit from a grow light; however, watering is more critical. *Many "mallsai" (as mass-produced plants are sometimes called), are greenhouse grown and underpotted. *This can cause them to dry out very quickly. * Watering the tree by soaking it will ensure that the entire root ball becomes thoroughly saturated. *You can test the soil moisture level with a fingertip. *Water when the soil loses its sogginess, but is still just damp to the touch.

If the soil dries out between daily watering, the pot is too small. *You could try putting it in a humidity tray (a plastic tray for orchids that will hold a small amount of water with the plant resting on a layer of marbles or gravel) or you could repot it into a larger container without disturbing the rootball.

You may wish to read the section on mallsai on the TreeBay website here as well as the Beginner articles located on the bottom of the same page, in particular Watering

Happy Growing,

Dr. Bonsai

Hi Melissa,

The other possibility is that your tree is of a deciduous species and should be outside for the winter. Decicuous trees need a few weeks of cold sleep after losing their leaves.

The bottom line is that you need to find out what species of tree you have. If you don't, its chances for survival are slim. I'd suggest bringing it to a nursery and asking (or having your husband go back to the place where he bought it and asking). Then, get a book or two (store or library) and read up on its care requirements. Good luck!

Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
zone 8, Texas