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Question: Is my ficus retusa bonsai tree dying? how can i stop it?

(Posted by: HannahSparrow on 2010-01-18 12:05:00)

I've have my Ficus Retusa tree for just over a year. When I first got it in November 2008, I kept it on a window ledge, inside. I fed it every other day, then the leaves turned yellow and started to drop off. So I only fed it once a week, and it was fine. Recently, I moved to university, and kept the same feeding routine, and it was fine. Then 2 weeks ago (early January), I came back from a weekend away, and found that 17 leaves had dropped off. I thought it could have been the cold from the window ledge getting it, so I moved it to my desk. I went away for a weekend again, and I've just come back, and ALL the leaves have fallen off. I don't know what to do! I need to revive it! Please help :(

Posted by: briggs451 on 2010-01-18, 13:08:47

All Ficus will lose leaves if they're moved around a lot. They don't like change. Find a good place and leave it alone. An east or west window sill will work well. It also sounds like you are over fertilizing and over watering it. Either of these could cause leaf loss. In cool weather they don't need fertilizer at all. Don't start feeding again until you see new growth, probably in the spring. Too much fertilizer (specially the liquid or water-soluble ones) will cause toxic salts to build up in the soil. Water only when the soil surface feels dry. Once a month or so, submerge the pot and all in a tub of warm water until bubbles stop coming up. Drain well and put it back where it was.

Posted by: grant on 2010-01-18, 12:14:15

Let it grow into a big tree then you can climb it

Posted by: Mia on 2010-01-19, 05:35:30

This website will give you some basic information on Bonsai Care bonsai-garden.com/ Additionally there are a series of bonsai related articles that address specific issues growers of bonsai deal with bonsai-garden.com/ bonsai-articles.htm Goodluck!