---
title: "Can anyone help why is my leaves going yellow and falling off Is this…"
description: "Can anyone help why is my leaves going yellow and falling off Is this bad ? It was fine 4 days ago"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/hB0M8pmURCqUK7zhKpIOTw/DJd8ry4gZ3ktIXEJtQfEwK"
community: "Bonsai Matters"
author: "Liam Dunne"
published: "2025-10-12T16:54:21.937167Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/x3vMh7qK75KEVwQ8nbcyHFglUn7tw_SCnOtK-c2jFfs/o6NhUHEITSKdDTctKu25XQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# Can anyone help why is my leaves going yellow and falling off Is this…

_Posted by Liam Dunne on 2025-10-12_

Can anyone help why is my leaves going yellow and falling off Is this bad ? It was fine 4 days ago

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/x3vMh7qK75KEVwQ8nbcyHFglUn7tw_SCnOtK-c2jFfs/o6NhUHEITSKdDTctKu25XQ.webp?size=large)

## 13 comments

### BeeKnees commented on 2025-10-12

What’s the species? Could be from lack of drainage. If it’s old growth, it’s most likely gonna be the roots. Too much water can do that. If it’s new growth, it’s from a lack of nitrate. Don’t attempt a repot this late in the season unless you know for sure that the soil is causing issues. Much love to you and your tree!

#### Liam Dunne replied on 2025-10-12

I don’t know iv only had it since the 25th im listening to planta to water but also double check the bottom isn’t wet

#### Liam Dunne replied on 2025-10-12

It’s an elm bonsai

### Tony commented on 2025-10-12

This is Chinese elm and the old leaves will yellow and fall. However it does look like the substrate is a little compacted. It can last till spring, but I might slip pot and replace the soil with a better draining makeup. You can do this in early spring just as the buds begin to swell, before they leaf.

#### Liam Dunne replied on 2025-10-12

It’s my first ever plant that I got for my bday so I’m scard I’m gonna kill it so is this a thing that happens

#### Liam Dunne replied on 2025-10-12

You knew and know a lot about them do you have any dms I can contact you on as I am worried I’m going to kill it

### Tony commented on 2025-10-12

Sure! I'm on FB. Last name Marinilli

#### Liam Dunne replied on 2025-10-12

There is a lot lol

### Liam Dunne commented on 2025-10-12

Marvle top ?

### Tony commented on 2025-10-12

Yah with my daughter haha

### iBenchbuses commented on 2025-10-13

Hi again Liam!! I agree the soil is a bit compacted. You could replace it with a regular soil mix and add a bit more pearlite. Prob a 2:1 soil to pearlite ratio. If compaction happens again , on the next watering day, you can pour some hydrogen peroxide on the soil to help aírate it again.

Could also be lack of light. Id honestly remove all the yellow leaves to give the others a chance to breathe and get some light.

### Liam Dunne commented on 2025-10-13

Okay thanks

### Cottage Kicker commented on 2025-11-26

Elm will drop leaves for dormancy in fall. I placed mine in cold frame in garage for winter, it needs to sleep for winter. Even if inside mostly. Use co-pilot AI to help you, works great!

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