Question
Hi vance
      Bought my mother a tropical bonsia for xmas this year. The person that sold it to me said to water it when it starts to feel dry when you put your finger in the soil. He said it likes to dry out a little, and should be in a sunny window for up to 6 hrs. I think we watered it ok last time, he said to submerg the plant in water and when the bubbles stop the plant is watered.My mom has a book for beginners and has read the book a couple of times.She also sprayed the leaves with water.
I was over her house today and it seems that perfectlly green and strong looking leaves are falling off. There is new growth though.She has the plant in her front window on a table which is right over her baseboard heat. I'm not sure of the name of the plant, she has that info. at her house.Can you offer any help or is this a natural occurance. Thanks Mike

Answer
It sounds like you are doing things right, make sure about the watering though, most indoor bonsai problems are directly related to watering.  Not knowing what kind of tree you have it is hard to tell what may be happening.  If it is a Ficus species this could be normal, they tend to drop their leaves when moved around a lot.  If it is an Elm it could be going through a dormancy period.  It it is a Serissa there could be another problem at work such as mealy bugs, red spider or aphids.  

Vance Wood.