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Hello! I have this Bonsai tree that some of its leaves go brown. I… | Anything about plants | Planta community

Lauren

Hello! I have this Bonsai tree that some of its leaves go brown. I was wondering if there was any way to prevent it, why it happens, and what to do if brown leaves appear (do I just pluck them off?!?)

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7 comments

  1. Rhonda

    I would start with the plant type info page. There’s a tab for yellow leaves. It lists several possibilities of what might be causing it. I kind of suspect a watering issue. Too much. Or that it dried out a little too much and now it’s having trouble getting balanced. Those little dishes make them challenging.

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  2. Penny L

    How long have you had it? Most bonsais need to be repotted once every two years, so if you’ve had it for that amount of time, you probably need to trim the roots and provide fresh potting mix. No fertilizer for a while. If you just got it, then what Rhonda said could apply. If it’s warm in your location, water will evaporate faster from the dish than normal and you may have to ramp up the watering schedule. Also, yes, I’d remove the yellowing leaves, unless there aren’t many leaves left.

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    • Lauren

      I’ve had it for about 4 years! Not to big of a plant person just trying to keep it alive! I keep it by the window so water might be evaporating!

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  3. SharonE

    I keep mine using a cord out the bottom into constant water. Every year I trim roots and throughout the year trim foliage to keep the shape I want. It is also under a light but I think the continuous water absorption is the key

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    • Lauren

      Is it to late to start trimming the roots even though I’ve had it forever, and it’s never been out of the pot I’ve bought it in?

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  4. SharonE

    I’m sure not. I trim to keep the same pot size. It never reacts in a bad way. I’m gentle but otherwise it would become root bound and unhappy

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  5. Penny L

    Yes, definitely trim the roots by around 20-25%. It might take a while for the tree to come back from that, though, depending on how sensitive it is. I got a new one about a month ago that was completely root bound and unhappy, so I trimmed the roots and gave it new soil. But it’s a gardenia and very fussy, so it’s taking its time to recover. Just be careful and patient. 💚

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