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Sad Bonsai tree

hilary.beveridge17hilary.beveridge17 Posts: 8
in Problem solving
I have been given a very said Bonsai tree with very few leaves and it was very dry.  I have given it a little water.  How do I care for it?  How can I revive it? Can I feed it?  Where is the best place for it?  Out of the sun? Warm room? cool room? unheated greenhouse?

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Most trees which have been dwarfed using the Bonsai method are ordinary trees, so the correct place for them is outside, not inside, which will kill it!  Do you know what species of tree it is?  If not, pease post a photo as occasionally they do "Bonsai" tender plants/trees for indoor display, but those are rare.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • hilary.beveridge17hilary.beveridge17 Posts: 8
    Ah!  That may be the fundamental problem then. It was a gift to my grandson and it got neglected. Can you identify it please form the leaves? 
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Looks like an oak so does need to be outside.
    It is rather large for a bonsai.
    Some information if it is an oak in the link


  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    Chinese Elms in an 'S' shape are often sold in those blue pots.
    Sunny Dundee
  • SlumSlum Posts: 385
    Looks to be similar leaves to one I was given as a gift a couple of years ago. Being in the house nearly killed it, much like yours. It is now in an unheated greenhouse and is thriving. I pruned it hard in early spring and it responded really well. 
  • hilary.beveridge17hilary.beveridge17 Posts: 8
    Thanks both.  It is now outside on my patio.  What do I do if we get frost?  Re the comment about its size.  I think I took the picture at an odd angle.  It really isn't that big as it looks  Its a standard sized bonsai.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    I think it's likely Chinese elm too.
    Have a look at this specialist Bonsai site:
    It seems it depends on where this one was imported from, with regard to what to do in winter.  If you regularly get temps below -10C, it might be safer to move it to an unheated room indoors (see link above) but needs to be outside for most of the year. :)

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • hilary.beveridge17hilary.beveridge17 Posts: 8
    Thank you. Slum and Bob.    I'll check out the website for care of a Chinee Elm.  I'll put it in the unheated greenhouse tomorrow.  I'm in Devon with a milder climate than many parts of the uk. 
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