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Question: What type of tree is my bonsai?

(Posted by: Leah on 2010-01-19 16:40:09)

I got a bonsai tree a few months ago as a present but it didn't come with any information. I kept it indoors in a cool place (it was intended for indoors). I was watering it every day or two as it soaked up the water and sprouted new green leaves almost instantly. I will describe the plant when it seemed happy before i went away for 3 weeks :- (. New leaves are bright green and soft while existing leaves are deeper green, small, thin, and dry to the touch. They are 'cartoon leaf' shaped but the edges are zigzag. The bark is gray and rough. I came back and all the leaves were crispy so i watered it. Nearly two weeks later, no change and it isn't drying out the soil. The leaves look terminal but most branches seem springy. Will new leaves grow eventually? What should i do? I'll be upset if its dying. Billy Ray, you're spot on, thats exactly the plant! Incredible! Mine's even in the same pot! Glad you could understand my description. Pondlady, your answer is pointless because i'm ASKING what tree it is! Read the description.

Posted by: $Billy Ray$ Valentine on 2010-01-19, 21:49:33

If it looks like this........chips4fish.com/ bonsai%20-%20scan%202.jpg then it is a "Chinese Elm ". You may be able to save the tree if the inner wood or roots have not died off. The trees first defense against drought is shedding all of its leaves to conserve moisture. As long as there was "some " moisture left. you may be able to get it to leaf out again by keeping the soil moist. The best thing would be to submerge the whole pot in a large container of water or kitchen sink, so that the water level is just over the top of the pot. Let the soil become completely drenched for about an hour. Set the pot in a protected area outside, as long as the night time temps are not freezing. Do this drenching about twice a week or about the time the soil begins to feel dry. Chinese Elms are deciduous (drops leaves in winter) so this may be what has happened, its hard to say without being able to see it personally. If it is gonna make it, it will begin to sprout new growth in late winter to early spring, as soon as the daylight begins to lengthen... Hope this has helped ... Good Luck!.... ** Added Info: Your welcome! Does this mean I get chosen as ... "best answer "? ...Billy Ray

Posted by: pondlady on 2010-01-19, 16:43:58

We cannot answer this without knowing the type of tree/ shrub. Chances are when you were gone, the plant had no water and died. Bonsai require constant care. Wait and see, but don't hold out much hope.

Posted by: the chief on 2010-01-19, 17:06:50

Keep watering it as needed and it should come back. It may drop a lot or all of it's leaves as a response from being dry for 3 weeks but if you water it, it will come back.