Brittle Leaves

ewalke70

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased my Juniper Bonsai try in August and so far things have been going well although I have noticed that my leaves are starting to turn brittle. I purchased a spray bottle a couple days ago and have been using that. Is there anyone out there who could give me any suggestions? It would be greatly appreciated..thanks!

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Mcspeed

Well it's possible that there is some life left to it, and it might have been alive when purchased, but from the sound of it, blow taps.

Where have you been keeping it? inside for these is far from optimal.
What kind of soil does it have, and what has your watering schedule been like?

Usually when juniper foliage is brittle it's well beyond dead, they tend to stay green for some time.

I am guessing that this is what we call a malsi bonsai, and if given instruction it was to water by soaking for ten minutes once a week, then set it on the TV and watch it grow. If so join the ranks its a large group. If you read around the posts here you will find yourself in good company.

Lots to learn here, don't be discouraged, try again, but be armed with info.

__________________
If at first you don't succeed -- skydiving is not for you.


Always remember that you're unique -- just like everyone else

Enjoy this day.
Bill

ewalke70

thanks for your help Bill. I am keeping it inside and have it by the window sill. I am also using a humidity tray. I was told to water it everyday but I soon learned that was too much and watered it only when the soil was a little dry. It is too late to try to transition it to outside? I live in Pa and the winters here are pretty harsh would that still be alright or is it just a lost cause? Thanks again

rockm

Misting is entirely uneccessary and probably contributed to the tree's ill health--or death, as brittle foliage is the last stage of dying for junipers. You may be able to get the tree outside in Pa now. Put it under six inches of mulch in a protected spot. Make sure it stays moist--not soggy--through the winter. See what happens in the spring.

ewalke70

my bonsai tree is about 6" high and i bought it in a ceramic pot which made me think that it was made to be inside but obviously through browsing your website juniper bonsai trees are supposed to be outside. I guess my next step will be planting it outside but I am just confused why the vendor would have sold it as an indoor plant if it was supposed to be outside..i guess i will get it from a more reputable dealer next time...anyone know of any trustworthy places i can get one?

rockm

. "I guess my next step will be planting it outside but I am just confused why the vendor would have sold it as an indoor plant if it was supposed to be outside."

Because he/she was out to make a quick buck and didn't really care about what you did with the plant after they sold it to you. Small juniper bonsai are produced in the hundreds of thousands in China and other places and exported for wholesale in other countries. Additionally, many nurseries in the U.S. and Europe produce thousands of them too.

The plant costs about $1 or less, the pot the same in mass production. The mark up is well over 100% at retail. If the plant dies after you buy it, you might even be tempted to buy another at those inflated prices.

Before you go any further, do some research. There are many kinds of plants that can be used as bonsai. Some are best kept outdoors, others can tolerate indoor care (primarily tropical plants like ficus and schefflera.)

There are many places on the Internet you can get one, as well as places "in real life" too. The vendor sponsors here on this site can be a good place to start. Also you might look for a local club who can point you to local reputable vendors - Start here:
http://www.absbonsai.org/USAClubs.html