Why Is My Bonsai Dying

Overwatering causes a tree s roots to drown and rot.

Why is my bonsai dying. A dying bonsai requires immediate attention to save it. Like all trees bonsai can die because of disease insect infestation or poor cultural care. If you forget to water your tree the roots die off and the tree will die. The scratch test is extremely useful during this time to check on your bonsai.

Without a healthy root. You might see something like this and think is the branch on this bonsai tree dead it could be a sign that you re overwatering your tree and causing the roots to rot from being constantly soaked in water. Improper care and your bonsai could die. Within days you will see the leaves of your tree wither and fall off or in case you have an evergreen its foliage will slowly turn yellow.

Soil can also cause problems for bonsai s as i explain in this article. Bonsai trees are planted in small pots so they don t have much reserves in terms of nutrients and water. If you forget to water your bonsai until the soil dries out completely the tree s roots dry out and die. Wilt droop and brittle branches are true signs of an ailing bonsai.

Whether it is has been neglected or infected a dying bonsai requires immediate attention if you intend on saving it. Some trees go dormant in winter and lose all their leaves. While with overwatering the tree would slowly lose strength with under watering the tree will drop its leaves within days. A bonsai is placed in a tiny pot and therefore doesn t have much reserves.

For deciduous trees like maples discoloration in the foliage could be caused by continued exposure to the afternoon sun. While dead leaves at the bottom of your bonsai are perfectly healthy dead leaves on the upper parts of new growth are a sign of a problem usually over or under watering. A bonsai enthusiast would like to get the maximum enjoyment from the bonsai by keeping it healthy considering the fact that the tree can technically outlive its owner. Roots need oxygen to function and standing water in the soil will deny the bonsai s roots enough oxygen to stay healthy.

1 check the bonsai for any signs of insects. Check out our bonsai soil guide for more thorough information.