Hi, My branches are dying

Frenchster · White Belt Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 3

Hi, I'm new to this website and my name is Laura. My sister bought me a bonsai a year and a half ago and it was all fine until this summer, when one branch died and then a couple of months later another one died and then three weeks later, about a week ago another branch started dying and now there is only one branch left and I really don't want it to die and I was wondering what happened and how I can still save it? The leaves wilt and then turn brown. I was wondering if it had something to do with re-potting it or pests or something. I'm not sure what kinda of bonsai it is , its indoor, and has small green leaves and white flowers in the summer or spring I think its called something with the word snow in it.
Thank you so much!
Laura

Dick · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 3:59 am Post subject: Re: Hi, My branches are dying

It sounds as though you have a serissa...a.k.a as a snow rose.

They are very hard to keep going for a long time unless you can give them optimal growing conditions which is most akin to a greenhouse environment, with high light, high humidity, and even moisture at the roots.

There is a good entry about these trees in the A-Z forum if you have access to it. If not, keep the tree evenly moist all the time. Gove it the best light you can (even outdoor partial shade if you can. Do not fertilize it now untill it starts to regenerate itself, and maybe it might come back for you, but that will not be easily accomplished.

Frenchster · White Belt Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 3

Thanks for the advice!
I will keep it moist as best i can, I have it near a window right now but its not in direct sunlight should I put it in direct sunlight?

Also the leaves on the branches are dead and the whole branch looks dead I talked with a lady at a plant store today and she said that I should cut off the dead branch completely because its using up the nutrients, so I was wondering if I should cut them off and will they ever grow back? They do look pretty much dead.

Also this summer has been really moist so the soil never really dried and I have been afraid to over water it because I have heard so much about over watering and rotting the roots, so I was afraid to do that. But the women today told me to keep watering it anyway at least three times a week should I do that?

Thanks for your time, I really appreciate it!

Frenchster · White Belt Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 3

Sorry I have one More question I was also wondering how do I know when it's ready to be re-potted?
Thanks again!

Stymie · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 5:51 pm Post subject: Re: Hi, My branches are dying

Hi Laura,
You have just about the most temperamental tree of the lot there. Anyone who can keep them happy can grow anything. Laughing

The dead branches are of no use to the tree so let them go. They are not taking any nourishment from the tree and certainly not providing any. I would forget about re-potting until there is evidence of new growth. It is experiencing enough stress at the moment without adding any more.
I would have thought that it would be happy kept outside in your area. If you can put it out with some partial shade from the midday sun, it migh appreciate it but don't take this as a guarantee. Keep the planting medium moist at all times. It isn't always best to follow a strict watering regime with regard to timing because climatic changes cause drying out at differing rates. In closing, I would recommend that you take any advice that Dick offers as it will be the best. Good luck and try an easier variety for your next bonsai.