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Hi, I’m a new bonsai parent. I got this elephant bush bonsai a month… | Pests, diseases and problems | Planta community

Sushi

Hi, I’m a new bonsai parent. I got this elephant bush bonsai a month ago for $30 in Dallas(I live in NC, had to bring it on a plane). It was really healthy when I got it. I’m watering it once in 2 weeks(watered it yesterday, checked if the soil is dry) but I’m seeing that the leaves are shriveled since 2 weeks. It stays in the window sill for 4-5 hours(morning light) and under the grow light for 8hrs(at night). Please help me. I need to know what I’m doing wrong with it. If it’s the light, what do i need to change?

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3 likes 10 comments

10 comments

  1. Chass

    Its absolutely stunning ! The pot being so shallow & looks like it’s just pebbles, I’d water a little more often. I noticed with mine, that’s how it tells me it’s thirsty.

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    • Sushi

      Thank you, found a tiniest one in the shop🤭. The pebbles are on top of the soil. Is it recommended to water more than once in 2 weeks? I usually check the soil. If it is dry, then I water it, as I got to know that bonsai plants store water in their trunks?

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  2. eatyacarbs

    it’s either thirsty or the roots have rotted. when you water does the water sit on top for a while before it absorbs or does it run straight through the pot right away? if either of those are the case, it would mean your soil is hydrophobic and needs to be soaked. if neither of those is happening, it could be that your roots are rotted so they’re not functioning.

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    • Sushi

      Thank you! I will check the roots once the soil is little dry, as I watered it just yesterday. It surely absorbed water for like 5-10 seconds and started running through the pot. But I pour water for solid 2 mins, until all the water runs out and put it under the grow light. If the roots are rotted, I might need more help later again with the bonsai!😂

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    • eatyacarbs

      I’m going to bet the soil is hydrophobic and that it’s been in there a while. An elephant bush is really resilient, I wouldn’t stress. I saved mine from an elderly neighbor’s window. It was a couple of dry sticks with maybe 4 or 5 leaves on it.

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    • Sushi

      That’s beautiful😍! I checked the soil and it is not hydrophobic and the leaves perked up today! Thanks for the advice.☺️

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  3. Greenhouse junkie

    Water daily!!! And fert once a month

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  4. Kades

    I have zero advice but I love that you took it on the plane 🤣

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    • Sushi

      Researched a LOT with chat gpt and a lot of youtube 🤭 and found out we can take any plant as a personal item. It was a big hassle for me😂 but hey, i made it!

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  5. eatyacarbs

    I definitely would not water this (or any plant) daily

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