Bonsai tree in trouble

[brian hegarty]

I thought the tree was after dying, but today there's a small bit of new growth at the bottom of the stem. What should I do to help/save it?

 

This is the new growth:

 

Bark also peeled of here:

 

The tree has sentimental value and advice will be greatly appreciated

 

 

 

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[agg221]

Bonsai usually suffer from two things - being kept indoors and ending up too hot and dry, and being watered with tapwater rather than rainwater. Either of these sound like the problem?

 

Alec

[treesrus]

last time you trimmed the roots??? replaced some of the soil?? does the pot have drainage? looks like it's an "indoor bonsai", but at this time of the year outside is better and in at least semi-shade. if the pot has good drainage and is not over stuffed with roots then be sure to water well. you could also try some tomato feed. and prune back the dead wood.

[treesrus]

also, the crown looks very cluttered, get a good bonsai book.

[Chippy]

Ask bonsaiguy, a new member, he might be able to help you

[brian hegarty]

The tree is inside- I water it twice a day- with tap water from a well..

 

I should have included that the tree put on very heavy growth, nearly 6 inches in length, with slightly bigger leaves than the rest of the crown, in less than 3 months. I pruned them back and the tree went into decline almost immediately after that. I've no experience with these and have no idea how to prune the roots??

 

Is there still hope for it??

 

 

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[brian hegarty]

The pot has good drainage.

I was afraid to go removing the dead wood because I'd say I'd be taking almost the whole crown off it?

Should I just pollard it??

 

 

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[Grey]

Over watering perhaps. If you water daily STOP. I'm no expert but that's how mine died. Leaves looked dry and began to fall so I gave them more water!

 

My brother had great success misting the leaves once a day and bathing his once a week (lower into water and soak the soil).

 

Could be a number of reasons, hope someone is more helpful for you.

[treesrus]

roots don't like to be submerged, only damp. watering more often indoors as is warmer and drier, but outside is better just now, but twice a day is too much. if inndoors twice a week maybe, just don't let the roots dry out. if there are too many roots this may affect drainage.. bonsai should be repotted every few years. carefullyy lift it out of it's pot, and if you see roots ffollowing the outline of the pot - too many, prune back as you would the crown, but carefully. then repot with fresh soil. ( bags of bonsai soil are available at Strikes Gdn Centers)

[treesrus]

and try this - A Guide to Growing Bonsai and Making Bonsai - Bonsai Basics