There’s no worse feeling for a bonsai lover than seeing one of their trees dying away. It’s easy to give up hope in this situation and just let your bonsai die.
But don’t stop fighting yet! It’s possible to revive most dying bonsai trees in a few simple steps.
Read on to discover the main reasons behind dying bonsai plants and how you can save your tree today.
How Do You Know If A Bonsai Tree Is Dying?
Before you can say whether your bonsai tree is dying, you need to know how to recognize when your tree is unhealthy.
There are a few tell-tale signs to look out for if you’re concerned your bonsai isn’t as healthy as it should be:
- Yellowing leaves
- Spots on the leaves
- Ragged leaves or leaf loss
- Drooping branches
- Loose trunk
- Swelling of the bark
If you spot one or more of these symptoms, it’s time to take action.
Reasons Why Your Bonsai Tree Is Dying
There are a few common mistakes that are usually behind a dying tree. If you notice that your tree is on the decline, then think about each of these potential reasons if you want to save it.
It’s not getting enough water
The number one reason why a bonsai plant dies is that it’s not getting enough water. In most cases, you should water bonsai trees at least once per week. However, some trees will require more watering than this, so investigate your plant’s particular watering needs as soon as you get it.
If a bonsai’s soil is completely dried up, you should add water to it immediately. Although a bonsai doesn’t grow at a fast rate, it still needs water to maintain its shape and health.
It’s getting too much water
Although under watering can be a problem, being too keen to water your bonsai can also cause issues. If your bonsai potting soil is holding excess water, this can cause the roots to rot and start to die. If the roots die, the rest of the plant will quickly follow.
If you’re regularly watering your bonsai and notice it starting to die, try leaving an extra few days between watering. If the problem persists, then it’s likely that the problem is elsewhere.
It’s in the wrong environment
Keeping an indoor bonsai outdoors or vice-versa can quickly kill off a healthy tree. This is especially true if you’ve kept a bonsai in one environment for some time before suddenly changing its location.
Although these trees are relatively hardy plants, they don’t enjoy being kept in the wrong conditions. If you want trees that you can keep indoors, check what you’re buying first.
It’s not getting enough light
Aside from water, the other key ingredient healthy plants need is sunlight. If your bonsai isn’t getting a good supply of natural light, it won’t be able to produce the food it needs to survive.
Most bonsai tree species enjoy living in bright areas. If you have an indoor tree, placing it on a south-facing windowsill is usually the best option.
It’s being over-pruned
One mistake a beginner bonsai enthusiast can make is over-pruning. It’s all too tempting to trim your tree into shape constantly, but this could harm the plant in the long term. Also, bonsai leaves catch the sunlight needed for photosynthesis, so you don’t want to remove them all at once.
With this said, pruning is still an essential aspect of growing healthy bonsai plants. Just make sure you’re not going overboard with the pruning shears.
How To Bring A Dying Bonsai Back To Life
If you notice that your bonsai tree isn’t looking too healthy, then it’s important not to panic and act immediately. Catching plant problems as early as possible gives you the best chance of fixing them quickly.
Identify the species
The most important thing to save your plant is identifying its species. If you can’t remember the type of tree you have, then head to a bonsai forum for a species guide.
Learn what your bonsai tree needs and adjust
Once you’ve determined your tree’s species, look up its needs. For example, you might find out that you’ve been over or under watering your plant, and you can adjust immediately.
Research any potential diseases
If you spot signs of a leaf or root disease on your bonsai, try to find out what the illness could be. Again, bonsai forums and websites like Keep Bonsai are often the ideal place for a quick diagnosis.
Place an insect repellent near the tree
Insects are often the cause of a dying bonsai. If insects are constantly landing on or buzzing around your bonsai, this strongly indicates that they are the ones causing the damage. Place a natural insect repellent next to the tree to prevent pests.
How Long Is A Bonsai Supposed To Live?
If cared for correctly throughout their lives, most common bonsai trees can stay alive for up to 80 years. Certain trees can even live much longer than this – some of the most famous bonsai trees in the world are hundreds of years old!
Can A Dying Bonsai Tree Damage Other Plants Nearby?
If your bonsai tree is diseased or has an insect infestation, then this could impact other nearby plants. If you notice signs of diseased roots or leaves, then it’s best to move your tree to a more isolated area while it recovers.
A bonsai that is simply old and nearing the end of its lifespan won’t be harming your other plants in any way.
Does An Indoor Bonsai Or Outdoor Bonsai Have A Longer Lifespan?
Bonsai species can be outdoor or indoor plants. Knowing which type you have is essential if you want to give your tree the best chance of living a healthy life. Many indoor tree species are just not strong enough to live outdoors. Conversely, warm indoor conditions can be too much for an outdoor tree.
So whether it’s an indoor or outdoor bonsai, its lifespan depends on care and conditions!