Ligustrum Dying

TheZahori

Hi guys my Ligustrum Sinensem is dying,

I got this bonsai six months ago as a present. It did quite well for the firs three months. I almost let it dry out in a couple of occasions. And from then on its health is going down hill. It has lost most of the leaves from the branches, I think they are dead. However, there are new ones coming out. Should I prune it? and set up this new ones?

What should I do to it in order to revitalize it??



Thanks a lot,

Zahori

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FredL

Hi Zahori,

OK, let's try taking an analytical approach. There are only a limited number of factors that could the source of your problem.

Though, of course, there is no rule that it can be only one!

First is the soil. Do you know enogh about bonsai soil mixes to know whether yours is OK? If not, you might let us know what sort of a mix you are using and what you've added to it, such as fertilizers, Ph adjusters, etc. Fertilizer burn will definitely produce the symptoms you are describing.

Second is watering. You might describe to us your watering routine and degree of wetness of your soil. Overwatering can be a problem, but is much mitigated by good soil mix. Letting your tree dry out is instantly fatal. Dry spells will definitely produce the symptoms you are describing.

Third is air. Excessively dry air is a problem for many species and, if you are keeping your tree in doors, this is almost certainly a contributor to your problem. My Privets are outside and doing well.

Fourth is light. Privet loves sun and if yours are indoors, its unlikely it is getting enough.

Fifth is disease. Unlikley that this is a problem; Privet is simply not subject to a lot of disease problems, at least in my experience.

Sixth is temperature. I doubt this is a problem unless, once again, you are keepng your tree indoors.

I can't think of anything else. At least, offhand. My suggestion is that you tell us what you're doing and we might be able to give you some ideas. My best guess at this point is that your lapses in watering have caused the problem This, as you have guessed, is a definite no-no.

Regards, Fred

TreeBay

No. Pruning would weaken if further.

Regards,

Matt

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TheZahori

Hi guys,

Thanks very much for your replies.
I am going to attach a picture of the bonsai.

Soil -> I have no idea which kind of soil. it has the one that came with and I have changed it since.

Watering -> At the beginning, to water it I used to submerge it in a bucket till It started to create some white mould. Then, it got a bit dry in a couple of occasions.

Air -> I keep it indoors as I live in Cambridge where the winter is very cold. Also, I have.

Light -> I am sure it does not get enough sun. Just a two or three hours in the morning.

Temperature -> It is usually warm in the house and now in winter. We put the heater on in the evenings, so the tree goes from chilly days to cosy evenings.

Fertilizer-> I use Chrysal. I added to the water once every month more or less

Having said all the above It has looked like in the picture for like a couple of months.


Please, is there any thing I could do solve the problem.

Thanks a lot again,

The Zahori

Attached Images

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FredL

From the looks of your tree, it looks barely possible that you might save it. You will definitely have to make some changes in how you are caring for it, however

1. Soil. There are many successful varitions of bonsai soil mixes. They all have certain things in common, however. First they are granular and fast draining. Second, they retain water within the granules but not between them. I use a mix of about 1/2 crushed lava rock or other hard gravel, about 1/3 bark or wood based mulch and about 1/6 garden loam. There are lots of places to get the ideas of others regarding soil mixes. If most of the water you add does not drain out in 10 minutes or so, you need a more granular mix. If the soil mix dries out entirely in 24 hours, you probably need to add components, such as mulh, that retain water better. From your comments, I don't have a clue as to whether your soil mix is contributing to the problem.

2. Watering. Most enthusiasts water using a watering can or hose with sprinkler from above. I water daily. Every 3 or 4 days in the Winter, unless we have an extended cold spell. My impression is that regular watering from above is much better than infrequent heavy soaking. You should be aware that roots need air just as much as they need water. This is why a soil mix that has lots of space for air between particles but retains water within particles is optimal for roots.

3. Air/light/temperature. These three items are, without question, major contributors to your problem. Bonsai are, basically, outdoor plants. Unless you are working with tropicals specifically adapted to the conditions you describe, expect your trees to go into decline and eventually die unless you have gone to great lengths to adapt your indoor environment to duplicate outdoor conditions. Especially, trees from the temperate zone require Winter cold to live successfully. Temperate trees are adapted to go through a period of rest during the Winter months. They can not adjust to the year around tropical conditions inside a house.

4. Fertilizer. Probably not a problem; likely even beneficial. I'm not familiar with the specific fertilizer you're using but it sounds like you are using it appropriately.

Hope this is helpful. The biggest contributor to your problem, at least imho, is the indoor "climate" you are subjecting it to.

Best regards, Fred