Possibly dead, Possibly alive... how do i tell?

Ronald

Ok, my bonsai was having some mold problems, but they are gone now and recently i went on vacation, and i left my bonsai in the care of my mother, and she left it outside in california winter(not too harsh). but now it has no leaves as they have all turned brown and fell off. i was wondering if that is a sign that it is dead? or is it some thing that should be happing because of the winter?

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Bonsai Barry

I'm sorry to hear about your tree. Do you know what type of tree it is? Is it an indoor or outdoor plant? Could you post a photo?

Generally I use two tests to tell if it is alive:

1) In a discreet place scratch the bark and see if there is any green or moist area beneath it.
2) On fairly new growth of branches I wiggle them to see if they have some resiliency or if they are stiff and immoveable.

If in doubt, of course, treat it as if it is alive. I would keep it moist but not damp in an area of open shade (out of the direct sunlight) if it is an outdoor plant. I would not give it any fertilizer until it was well on the road to recovery.

Good luck,
Barry Bonsai

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Bonsai Barry

"Our talent lies in our choices."

pootsie

Ronald:

There is no way to answer your question accurately without knowing what species of tree you have. Do you know?

hope2help

pootsie

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p.s. My cat is a bonsaiTALK Master.
Columbus Bonsai Society