Many plants' new growth is different in color than the older growth, even so far as to be reddish, while the older leaves are green. If the tree seems otherwise healthy, I wouldn't worry, though it certainly can't hurt to learn all you can about your tree.
Since you say you bought it at a garden centre, then I would ask if there are rocks glued to the soil surface. This happens. If so, remove them, chances are the soil below is either dry or soggy.
Where have you been keeping it?
How much sun is it getting per day?
How often have you watered it?
What is the temperature in the place it is being kept?
I've been keeping it on my widowsill (above a radiator) which either faces north or south...so basically it gets alot of sun during the day.
I've also been quite careful with the watering, but I'm easing off now as I think I was giving the little fellow a bit too much. Currently haven't watered since yesterday morning, but probably will do tonight as the soil feels a little dry.
I'm in the UK, so the temperature is around 5 degrees C to 15 normally, depending on the time of day. Inside is a little warmer, but because the Bonsai was by the window and we've had a few colder nights I'm now moving him to a shelf after 8pm.
Is there anything in particular that I'm doing wrong? :S
I am guessing too much water. Stick your finger in somewhere in the middle of the root area down to the first knuckle. If it's wet down there you are OK.
I agree with leminkainen that this is an outdoor tree, especially in your environment. It needs to winter over. It needs to drop it's leaves in the winter. It should be kept outside most of the time.
Checked how damp the soil is with your method...and you're correct. I am killing it with kindness. Oops.
Outside you say? Damn. Now I'm gonna be really paranoid about the cool weather killing it off! Oh well. Will try to find a suitable place in the garden (away from cats) pronto, although it's looking like the greenhouse while I'm out during the day...
Thanks again for your help. You've probably saved my Bonsai's life.
-Chinese Elms are pretty much outdoor plants, like most Bonsai.
Does this mean that I should put him outside a few times a week during the day?
- Be wary of killing it with kindness by over watering.
Noted. I have realised that I maybe was providing a little too much water, and have cut back accordingly.
- Remember to fertalise it, because there is only a small ammount of soil nutrients are easily washed away - sometimes plants yellow through need for feeding.
I purchased some Bonsai feeder, but it says use once every two weeks at beginning of March through summer...but should I be fertilising it now? I don't really trust such vague instructions...
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Good luck! :)
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*makes a mental note to research more*
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Since you say you bought it at a garden centre, then I would ask if there are rocks glued to the soil surface. This happens. If so, remove them, chances are the soil below is either dry or soggy.
Where have you been keeping it?
How much sun is it getting per day?
How often have you watered it?
What is the temperature in the place it is being kept?
Reply
No rocks glued to soil. Mossy, in fact.
I've been keeping it on my widowsill (above a radiator) which either faces north or south...so basically it gets alot of sun during the day.
I've also been quite careful with the watering, but I'm easing off now as I think I was giving the little fellow a bit too much. Currently haven't watered since yesterday morning, but probably will do tonight as the soil feels a little dry.
I'm in the UK, so the temperature is around 5 degrees C to 15 normally, depending on the time of day. Inside is a little warmer, but because the Bonsai was by the window and we've had a few colder nights I'm now moving him to a shelf after 8pm.
Is there anything in particular that I'm doing wrong? :S
Reply
I agree with leminkainen that this is an outdoor tree, especially in your environment. It needs to winter over. It needs to drop it's leaves in the winter. It should be kept outside most of the time.
Reply
Outside you say?
Damn. Now I'm gonna be really paranoid about the cool weather killing it off! Oh well. Will try to find a suitable place in the garden (away from cats) pronto, although it's looking like the greenhouse while I'm out during the day...
Thanks again for your help. You've probably saved my Bonsai's life.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Does this mean that I should put him outside a few times a week during the day?
- Be wary of killing it with kindness by over watering.
Noted. I have realised that I maybe was providing a little too much water, and have cut back accordingly.
- Remember to fertalise it, because there is only a small ammount of soil nutrients are easily washed away - sometimes plants yellow through need for feeding.
I purchased some Bonsai feeder, but it says use once every two weeks at beginning of March through summer...but should I be fertilising it now? I don't really trust such vague instructions...
Thanks for the help!
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