My Bonsai Might Be Dying

redhawkbonsai

Have you seen/treated for insects?

Probably was infested with spider mites. Spider mites love “snow roses” and most other indoor bonsai.

These (very, very) little bugs (about this size > . < ) will kill your trees before you know that they are there! I've always use a preventive insecticide and fungicide treatment every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season, here that is about 9 months. With indoor growing, insect inspection and prevention is going to year around.

When inspecting for insects on trees, the best way to find the smallest of insects is put you tree over a piece of white paper and tap on all the branches that you can, this will knock off some of the little critters onto the paper and you can mash the specks with your finger. If the tiny specks smear then it was a small bug that needs to be eradicated. Always treat according to the insecticide label.

Check before spraying to see if the trees can take the insecticide. For example, Kelthane and Neem oil will de-foliate elms and Malathion can KILL a buttonwood to name a few.

Good luck, redhawk

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