Image – Wikimedia/Japanexperterna.se
Why do bonsai leaves fall? There can be several reasons, some being more serious than others. But what is certain is that when we see that our factory is starting to run out of it, we tend to worry.
And it is that, of course, being a relatively small tree, we are interested in it looking healthy, that is, having green and beautiful foliage. So if your bonsai has started losing leaves and you don’t know why, then I will tell you What are the possible causes and what should you do?.
It’s deciduous
Image – Flickr/jacinta lluch valero
Many bonsai sold are deciduous species, such as maples. If yours is obsolete and has started to lose them coinciding with the onset of cold (or if you are in a tropical climate zone, at the beginning of the dry season), You don’t have to worry.
But the case is very different if it is persistent, such as citrus, carmona or serissa. If they are, then they have a problem.
It is exposed to drafts (indoor)
If your bonsai is inside the house and you notice that it lacks leaves, it may be due to exposure to drafts, such as those from the air conditioning or those from the fan for example. It is important to keep in mind that these currents dry out the environmentdrop the humidity, and incidentally force the roots of the plant to quickly send water to the leaves in an attempt to keep them hydrated, but without success.
And it is that the leaves, being exposed, run out of water faster than the roots can send more water to them. Therefore, they die and, depending on the species, fall off. So, to avoid it, what you need to do is change your bonsai site.
He is cold
Image – Wikimedia/David J. Stang
If your bonsai is tropical and you have it outside during the winter, or inside the house but in a cool room, the leaves will also struggle.. So, if you have a sérissa, for example, since it is a tree that cannot withstand frost, nor temperatures below 10ºC, it is necessary that you keep it indoors so that it does not suffer.
Related article:
Which bonsai can you keep indoors?
Also, remember not to put it near drafts, because as we said before, it would have a really bad time too.
It’s in an area with little light
This usually happens when you have bonsai indoors, as there is usually not enough light in houses for these plants to grow well. Especially if you have a ficus or fruit tree, which needs to be in an area with lots of light and even direct sun, when placed in low light rooms they struggle.
Its leaves fall even though they are apparently healthy., and the bonsai has no other symptoms. And how is it solved? Take it to an area with more light, of course. But be careful: if it has never been exposed to direct light or sunlight, you must make sure that it does not hit it now because otherwise the leaves will continue to fall. Only if it is an outdoor bonsai (like elms or maples for example), it will have to be put in partial shade and gradually get used to direct sunlight.
lack of water
Image – Wikimedia/Mark Pellegrini
This is another of the reasons bonsai can lose its leaves. And it is that every living being needs water to survive, and bonsai trees are no less so. For this reason, if you see that the newer leaves are drying and falling off, and the soil is also very dry (if in doubt, check the humidity by inserting a stick), do not hesitate to water your tree.
Take a bonsai watering can and soak the soil well. Pour water until it comes out of the drainage holes. And if you see that the water is not absorbed, but just comes out, immerse the bonsai container in a basin of water for about fifteen minutes. Thereafter, you need to water more often.
He has a lot of water
The most serious problem that a bonsai can have is that it is watered too frequently, because the soil must have time to dry out; otherwise, the roots drown and die. How do you know what is happening to your plant? For the following symptoms:
- The land is very humid and may have verdina.
- The oldest leaves turn yellow first and then fall off. During this time, the new leaves also lose their color and eventually fall off.
- Fungus (mold) may appear.
To save it, or at least try, you have to take the bonsai out of its container, and wrap the roots – without removing the soil – with absorbent paper.. In case you see that it gets wet very quickly, take it off and put a new one on it. Then leave it in a room away from direct light and wind overnight. The next day, plant it in a new container – or in the same one it had before, provided you have cleaned it with soap and water beforehand.
So, remove all that is dead and apply a fungicide (for sale here), otherwise the mushrooms could harm you. From now on, it’s time to wait and see how it reacts, and only water when necessary.
Hope your bonsai can recover gradually.