Buying Indoor Bonsai In Autunm and Winter
Many people aren't aware that your bonsai tree, like some
other trees in nature, can lose leaves depending on the time of year and the
situation it has been kept in. In particular I am referring to Chinese Elms during this article.
We keep all out bonsai in greenhouses at this time of year
to ensure that they are healthy and in peak condition when they arrive. As light
levels fall at this time of year, our bonsai lose a few of their leaves which
turn yellow first before falling. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't be any
cause for alarm. Customers sometimes contact us with concerns that either the
tree we have sold them isn't healthy or that they are doing something wrong. We are of course always happy to provide any
assistance required by our customers but wish to give you this information in
advance to provide reassurance that nothing untoward is happening to your new
bonsai.
Please make sure you've read the care guide which was
included with the bonsai. The most important factor in successfully keeping
your bonsai indoors is the location in which it is kept. Also important is regular
watering which keeps the tree evenly moist at all times. A drip tray or even a
plate / saucer will help with this.
Some of the leaves may fall off but after a few weeks new
buds will form and new growth will occur. After this growth has come, the tree
will probably be getting quite busy and will need a prune in order to keep its
shape.
Please don't be tempted to feed the tree for the first few
weeks until it has settled. Equally don't repot the tree for at least the first
couple of months. Both of these tasks, which normally would keep a bonsai happy
and healthy, will further stress the tree when the change of environment has already
impacted on it.
Adam 03/10/11