It could take years to create the perfect bonsai plant. If you see symptoms that your bonsai is ill, it’s natural to become concerned and believe that your efforts have been in vain.
The good news is that by identifying the warning indications that your plant is emitting, you can preserve your best indoor bonsai tree before it’s too late.
How to Identify a Sick Bonsai Tree
The vast majority of plants provide audible warning signs when anything is amiss. Your bonsai’s appearance will also change. A plant usually indicates that it is ill when its leaves turn brown or yellow.
Read on to find out how to spot a sick bonsai tree and how to treat it right to get it well again.
Yellow-Leafed Bonsai Tree
If the leaves on your bonsai tree start to turn yellow, don’t freak out right away. Yellow leaves may be entirely normal, given that deciduous leaves change colour before trees lose their leaves in the fall.
If your bonsai exhibits yellow leaves at other times of the year, it may cause concern. Yellow leaves could indicate some problems.
Overwatering
Overwatering is the most frequent cause of yellowing leaves. Root rot can result from using too much water, and your bonsai may not be able to absorb enough nutrients.
Ensure that your bonsai is receiving the necessary watering. Depending on the species and the season, bonsai require different amounts of water.
UnderwateringÂ
Yellow foliage could perhaps indicate underwatering. Throughout the summer, this happens more regularly.Â
Bonsai kits are typically planted in small containers that dry out rapidly in warm weather. It is illogical to believe the rain will sufficiently hydrate outside bonsai during the summer.
Too Much Sunlight Exposure
Some bonsai have leaves that become yellow when overexposed to sunlight, depending on the species. You may establish the optimal conditions for a bonsai by understanding how much sunlight it requires.
Disease
A widespread ailment that causes some plant species’ leaves to turn yellow. You must learn what ailments typically affect the species of bonsai you own to determine whether a disease is the cause of your bonsai’s problems.
Bonsai Brown Leaves
Similar to yellow leaves, brown leaves on bonsai can occasionally be a natural occurrence. Deciduous trees’ fall foliage ought to be brown. Brown leaves are an issue, though, if it doesn’t fall if the tree is a conifer.
The most frequent causes of dark leaves on bonsai plants are listed below:
Overwatering
If you give your bonsai too much water, the extra moisture may collect and harm the roots. Insufficient nutrition from damaged roots causes plants to wilt and lose their leaves. If the plant is overwatered, the leaves will get mushy and discoloured.
Underwatering
Brown foliage is another indicator that anything is underwater. The leaves will be harsh and browned if there is a problem with underwatering.Â
To remedy this issue, you must discover how frequently your particular type of plant needs to be watered. The type of plant will determine how often to water it.
Lack of SunlightÂ
Varying plant species have different light needs. Your bonsai leaves could go dark if they don’t receive enough sunshine. Determine how much sunlight your plant requires, and then give it that much.
Wrong Environment
For the best circumstances for growth, place your bonsai in an unsuitable environment. Many typical plant species utilised in bonsai growth should be kept outside. The leaves of bonsai plants may become brown if kept indoors for an extended period.Â
Keeping tropical or subtropical species outside during the winter can be challenging. Examine the environmental conditions that your plants require to survive.
PestsÂ
If your bonsai is under attack by pests, you will notice dark stains on the leaves. You must research the most prevalent pests that affect your bonsai plant because different pests attack different plant varieties.Â
Although they are a typical problem in warm, dry weather, other insects can also result in dark foliage.
Nutritional DeficienciesÂ
It’s critical to ensure your bonsai receives enough nutrients. By applying liquid fertiliser, you might ensure that your bonsai receives the nutrients it needs during the growing season. Bonsai leaves will become brown if nutrients like iron, magnesium, or nitrogen are deficient.
ConclusionÂ
Bonsai pots are a beautiful addition to any home; they can live for years with the correct maintenance. Reviving a bonsai tree is a process that requires patience and experience. Inspecting the tree for signs of disease and pests is important, and then prune and repot it with the appropriate soil and fertiliser.Â
Providing adequate water and light is also necessary to ensure the bonsai’s health. If the tree shows no signs of revival, it may be necessary to replace it with a new one. Reviving a bonsai tree takes time and practice, but it can be done successfully with the right tools and techniques.
Bonsai Shop sells bonsai starter kits, bonsai pots, tools, and accessories for people who want to grow bonsai trees for themselves. Buy a Bonsai tree starter kit today!
