Please help!

wulfedog · White Belt Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 2

First Question...what kind of tree is this? Secondly, is it dead?

My girlfriend gave it to me for Xmas....I live in south Alabama, it lives outside, on the the porch, in partial sun. I water it every couple of days, and it has recently gotten all those "cream colored" end on the branches, and the middle part of the branches has started to turn brown too. I re-potted it a week ago, thinking it would help. I think I killed it.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wulfedog/DeadBonsai002.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wulfedog/DeadBonsai001.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/wulfedog/DeadBonsai003.jpg

amanda · Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 4:17 pm Post subject: Re: Please help!

I think it's a juniper, though I don't know what species, and those creamy things actually look like cones to me. You have some brown spots, which may be the result of any number of things. I would only say it's in danger if it has brittle spots. A brittle juniper is a dead juniper, but the rest of your needles look nice and green and shiny.

If it's soft and flexible you're OK.

You can check the A to Z section on junipers for general care. It may need more sun and/or more water. Have you checked it for pests?

Dick · Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 5:20 pm Post subject: Re: Please help!

What you have is a definitely a juniper, probably the variety called "procumbens nana."

The cream color on the tips of the branched and the brown internal needles are as a result of insufficient water. The soil that you have it growing in doesn't look very porous, which it should be. When you water it, the water should run right through it and out of the bottom of the pot. So while you may have re-potted it, it might not be the best soil for it. Look for commercial bonsai soil are the local nurseries in your area and re-pot it again.

Also, take it out of the sunny location it's in and place it in the shade for a couple of weeks. Then after you re-pot is again in good free draining soil, leave it in the shade for a couple more weeks.

Do not fertilize it at all until it gains it's vigor again. You can remove the tips by pinching them off with your finger and thumb. If you cut them off with scissors, it will only add to the browning.

As Amanda said, as long as it's not brittle and the needles you have are soft, it's still alive. You may need to water it more frequently especially after you re-pot it, perhaps every day will be good.

You can also look for a product known as "Superthrive" which can be used immediately when you re-pot it again and in each watering thereafter so it may help with reducing the shock to the plant and to help it recover. It may take a year to regenerate to what it once was, but that's the patience that one need with bonsai.

And do come back with any other questions that you have.

wulfedog · White Belt Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 2

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely let you guys know the outcome.