Bonsai Tree Health?

Question

My Bonsai Tree is shedding all its leaves at an alarming rate, it is a Carmona Macrophylla (Fukien Tea).

The trunk appears to be a reddish/orange half way up, and wet to touch. The leaves are turning brown, it is kept in the warmest bedroom in the house, facing the south window, and not in direct sunlight.

I read somewhere on the net, that this particular species de-foliates during the summer, is this true?

Answer 1

Oh, dear. This bonsai grower/artist may be able to help. I'm not familiar with the plant but he may be of help. He's also a Y!A member.

http://www.american-bonsai.com

Answer 2

No, it does not de-foliate in the summer.

If the trunk is wet to the touch, you are most likely over-watering the tree. That will cause it to lose leaves.

Let it dry out for a while, and only water it when the top of the soil starts to dry again. Water from the top, don't submerge the pot like some "bonsai instructions" tell you to do. This is a bad practice.

If it survives without rotting,you'll see the leaves re-sprout.

You may also want to check for bugs (scale, whitefly, mites), as Carmona are prone to infestation. Especially if you have other plants in the room.

Answer 3

no it does not de-foliate during the summer white flowers are carried among the shiny dark green leaves in spring and early summer, flowered by berries which ripen from green to red.

Ehretia buzifolia is the correct bonasai name for this particular species but it is most commonly known as the Fukien Tea.

Bonsai Leaves; glossy green box-like leaves fully clothe the branches

Cultivation: good light, but shade from hot summer sun, needs a warm location throughout the year 15-24 degrees

watering: keep soil moist throughout the growing season. Water sparingly in winter but make sure the soil does not dry out.

Feeding: once every two weeks from early spring to early autumn. In winter feed every four to six weeks.

Repotting: every two years in early spring at the start of the growing season.

good luck