Question
QUESTION: I received a plectranthus ernestii bonsai as a gift. I need to know detailed information on it and care information. Does it lose it's leaves during the winter? Also, is there any general bonsai information that I need to know about, because I'm new at bonsai care.

Sincerely,
Matt

ANSWER: Hi Matt,

I see you have posted this inquiry on a number of plant forums. That means you will receive a variety of different, and probably conflicting, answers!

Plectranthus ernestii is not a Swedish Ivy, although they are related. Both are in the Mint family.

It is a tropical plant and should not lose its leaves in winter unless it is improperly cared for. Keep it indoors on a sunny windowsill. The more light it receives, the better it will do. In general, a weekly watering is about right. However, bonsais are grow in a variety of different planters and in different types of potting media and both will effect the plant's ability to dry out. It is best if the top fifth of the potting media dries out between waterings. Water enough so that a small amount trickles though the drainage holes.

If yours is in a planter that has no drainage holes or if it has pebbles glued onto the surface, then all bets are off!

Fertilize sparingly no more than monthly at half strength. Misting is unnecessary.

Bonsais are miniaturized plants. That means they require regular pruning to keep their existing size and shape. At least once per month you should prune back all or most of the new growth. You can shape the plant based on how you prune. Bonsais are kept in their existing planters indefinitely and it is best if you do not disturb the roots.

P. ernestii will flower, but personally I don't find the flowers very interesting and I think they tend to spoil the bonsai look. Pinching out the flowers as they emerge is optional depending on your personal taste.

I have written an article on Bonsais that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the information, I have taken your advice. In the past couple days the leaves have been turning yellow. It started off by the tips of leaves turning like dark red or brown then the whole leaf turned a yellow color. Do you have any information to tell me how to treat it?

Answer
Hi Matt,

The leaf discoloration you described is a generic symptom with several possble causes, including poor light and improper watering. You have not provided any information on the available light and how you are watering so I cannot give you a specific answer. It is possible that your plant is simply reacting to a change in its environment and will gradually adapt.

All you can do is to follow my suggestions for light and watering that I indicated previously. Plant care requires patience so don't expect immediate results. You are dealing with a plant species and type that I would not ordinarily recommend for inexperienced indoor gardeners.

~Will