Read This First!!!

Dr.Bonsai

One of the most common questions we get concerns dead or dying trees. Many of these are mass-produced plants that were purchased at garden centers or malls. These greenhouse-grown plants are shipped to distribution centers, where they are sold as gifts or seasonal items. We like to call them Mallsai"


Mallsai were never intended to survive for long, but YOU CAN BEAT THE ODDS!

Very often, the sellers themselves don't know much about the trees. Their new owners are at a disadvantage because they have been sold a plant without understanding its proper care requirements. We heard the tale of a former mallsai owner who was told to water her tree with "one icecube placed on the soil every day." Despite her following these instructions dilligently, the iceplant perished.

Bonsai, with very few exceptions, are outdoor trees that need to be exposed to sunshine and wind to thrive. Most cannot survive indoors for long, and I have yet to find one that will grow in a dark room atop a television set.

Most bonsai deaths can be attributed to improper watering. You will need to check the plant daily for moisture by sticking a finger in the soil. Overwatering can be more harmful than underwatering!

Please review our articles on watering and basic beginner information.

If you still have questions concerning a particular plant, please do post them. We are happy to help!

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I love growing things and received two beautiful Juniper bonsai from my husband about two months ago. One is clearly dying; its leaves are dry, brittle, and falling off if touched. The other seems to be okay. The plants came with few instructions on care. Nowhere in the instructions was it mentioned that Juniper bonsai should stay outside during the winter, in fact year-round. I live in Stamford, CT, and have been quite careful to keep both plants away from drafty cold areas--per the instructions. At this point, is there anyway to save the dying plant and to ensure that the other plant will not die? Is it harmful to place the plants in a drafty spot, for example, in front of a balcony door? Is it too late to place them outside? Should I repot? What book and/or video on bonsai would you recommend?

Thanks for any assistance.

Mary

Jay

Hi Mary, First let me tell you that I am a novice with experience, I am not an expert. I do have juniper and have for a few years. In most cases, junipers will look good even when they are dead. By the time they start looking brown and dry they are way gone. Think of a Xmas tree. Juniper do need to be outdoors for a dormant period. However, I too before knowing better kept mine indoors for a year, they can make it. Go to the Beginner Section of the list and look for the thread "Too cold!?!" and the Species Specific section and the thread on "New Juniper What do I do", they have some good info.

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A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing