Bougainvillea and money tree bonsai in trouble

killervette666

Hi, I posted before about a bougainvillea bonsai which has since died (flowers.com potted in the completely wrong type of soil go figure) I have since then got a money tree bonsai for myself (sorry don't know the proper name) and my father has gotten a new bougainvillea for himself.
Both were doing really good over the summer and fall, lots of new growth and plenty of leaves.
Ever since winter started (I live near Chicago) the plants seemed to take a turn for the worse.
The money tree developed some root rot and I had to remove one of the 4 trunks that made it up, since then ive been careful with the watering, but now im noticing that the new growth that was starting to appear on one of the trunks is beggining to turn black where tiny leaves were just forming, is this a sign of further root rot? I do use a bonsai fertilizer on it from time to time. Also it lost quite a few of its leaves, and some due to my cat munching on it. Any advice as to what to do? I also noticed some little white bugs running around a little while back

The bougainvillea seems to be okay except it lost over half its leaves, but its still growing new ones. Im wondering if this is normal for it because it is after all a tropical plant and its inside a house during winter.

Whats your best advice for these two bonsais? Im most concerned for the money tree and preventing further root rot, how much water is really best for it? I though I had it figured it out but apparently not or otherwise I wouldn't have had to lose a whole trunk to rot.

Thanks in advance

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nclivingwaters

I was given a "money tree" by a family member who thought it would make a good gift because they knew I was into bonsai. Well, money trees aren't my cup of tea, but out of respect, I kept it and took care of it. The instructions on the tag said to let it dry out thoroughly, even the term "bone dry" was on the tag, then water well, and allow to dry out again. The little thing couldn't be healthier!

As far as bougainvillea goes, I have never worked with them, and have nothing to offer.

killervette666

Thanks for the advice, I knew they liked to be dry, but I didn't think to that point, I will try it from now on.

ericN

i have a bougie indoors on a south facing window w/ supplimental lights. base on my limited experience with this plant, i keep them a little drier than my other tropicals. they also flower better when water is withhold to a point of causing severe stress to the plant.

hope that helps
eric

killervette666

I have read about that before as well
I've cut down on watering and both plants seem to be responding well
the only problem is that my money tree, on one of the trunks a new growth started, but it has shriveled up and the tip is black, should i cut it off? and if so how do i go about doing it
I know i previously over watered it but it seems to be doing okay now and the trunk in question is not showing root rot, can i restore it or will I have to lose another trunk.