Black Olive Dropping Leaves

blackoliveboy

I recently purchased a black olive bonsai. I have fallen in love with it thought I was taking good care of it. I let my grandmother, who has a green thumb, keep it over the Christmas holiday and when I came back the leaves were yellowing. Now the plant has dropped 2/3 of its leaves and the ones that remain are not looking so good. I water it every two or three days (wine glass full) and keep a tray of water underneath it to aid in the humidity aspect (even though all the worlds humidity has seem to escape and live permanantly in texas). I keep it in a window that gets direct light for about 12 hours a day. I really don't want to loose this plant. I scrapped the trunk and it isnt really all that green underneath. How can I save her?


thanks!

-tyler-

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RonMartin(deceased)

A lot of things can cause the problems you are having. All the way from bugs to over watering.
From what I have seen the problem is usually the latter. A common problem for most beginners.
Do not keep the soil drenched. Allow it to get a bit dry in-between watering. Not bone dry though. You still want some moisture in the soil at all times. Moist but not drenched is the key. Black olives resent having wet feet ;o)

blackoliveboy

how long with it take for the leaves to grow back? any ideas?

i water it with a wine glass full of water every two days or so. I live in a faily humid climate, so maybe this is too much. any thoughts?

-t-

RonMartin(deceased)

Took a peak at your profile to see where you are located Knowing where you live at would help a lot. Would hate to give an answer for the wrong climate.

blackoliveboy

Austin, Texas. Its fairly humid, but its surely not too cold for it. Thanks ron.

RonMartin(deceased)

As long as the temperature is abouve 40 f. you should be ok. If you can put it outside till it recovers. Also check it for bugs like aphids.
Like I said a lot of different things can cause the problems you are having

blackoliveboy

what do aphids look like? i am newbie......

do you think watering with 8 ounces every 3 days or so is too much?

should i remove the tray with water from underneath it?

-tyler-

RonMartin(deceased)

You can't really water a bonsai by the clock. Only water if the plant needs it i.e.. the soil is getting dry.
Each day the plants need for water will be a little different. All depends on things like temperature, humidity ,wind etc. Let the plant tell you when to water.
Aphids are small bugs that suck the moisture out of the leaves. The critter is usually on the underside of the leaf. Easy to see.
I would remove the tray.

blackoliveboy

ok, thanks so much. ill post a picture of it in a week or two to keep you posted. any idea on how long it will take to see some new leaves on it?