Question
QUESTION: I received for Mothers Day an Azalea Bonsai tree. I am now finding after watering it once since I've received it that the leaves are turning brown on the tips. They seam to be falling off also. What can I do to stop this?

ANSWER: Teri,

Only watering it once since Mother's Day is a major problem. No single watering schedule can be applied to bonsai. Bonsai can dry out quickly because they are planted in coarse soil and in shallow containers. In some cases, you may need to water every day, however, the frequency of watering depends on the type of tree, size of pot, type of soil, climate conditions and more. The best way to tell if the bonsai needs water is to feel the soil. Stick your finger a half inch or so into the soil. Overall, if you do not feel much moisture in the top half inch of the soil, then it抯 time to water. You must soak it well. Take the bonsai to the sink and either let it sit in the water for a few minutes (until it has soaked up enough from the drainage holes in the bottom), or shower from above, letting the water drain through several times. Never let the soil dry out completely but don抰 keep it soaking wet all the time. Base your watering on how
the soil feels. If you are not sure if it is wet or dry, take the bonsai to the sink and soak it well. Feel it an hour later, two hours later, four hours later, etc. This can help you understand how the soil dries down.

Check it every day. If you can feel moisture, then you may not need to water. However, if your bonsai is in a very small pot and/or it is a hot or windy day, or if the bonsai is pot-bound, then you may need to water. Better safe than sorry. Feel the soil in several areas. If one
part is dry, then you need to water that part. Never let the bonsai get too dry! Actually you already have and you may help it recuperate if it is not too late by placing it in a clear plastic bag but open the bag every morning to exchange the air. Remove it when it is sprouting new leaves and seemse healthy again.

LIGHT

Keep your azalea bonsai outside in at least a half-day of sun. When it is inside, put it in a window with very good light, and preferably
some sun.

If you have a real interest in bonsai I suggest that you find and join a bonsai club in your area. They will have classes, shows and meetings that will be very educational. Good luck.

Darlene

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

QUESTION: Thank You, I did water the plant well. It seems to be very moist. My concern now after two days and no signs of the soil becoming dry would be root rot. Will this happen if the soil does not show signs of less moisture soon? Thanks Teri

Answer
Teri,

As long as there are good drain holes in the bonsai pot and you are not leaving it with any water in the drain tray under the pot it should not get root rot. Also if it is outdoors in a location that gets sun at least 4 hours a day and wind that will help it dry out quickly. The soil should never get totally dry on an azalea. You have more to worry about if it gets so dry that it drops leaves. Then it looses roots due to the dryness also. You have to keep some moisture there. It cannot get totally dry. Good luck.

Darlene