Hello all!

I have recently purchased a small Japanese Maple for use as a Bonsai. The tree was healthy when I purchased it and came in a black plastic pot with (what I am assuming) is regular black potting soil. I have not re-potted the plant since, nor have I given it any fertilizer or other additives. I typically water the tree once a day with just enough water to dampen the top soil and place the tree outside in direct sun for roughly an hour each morning and then put it under my porch for the rest of the day. Recently, however, some of the leaves have started to turn a yellow-green color. I am worried that I killing the tree.

Is the tree not getting enough sun?

Am I watering too much or too little?

Should I re-pot the tree despite it being the middle of summer here in the US?

Should I add fertilizer to stabilize the tree and bring back the vibrant green colors?

Any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated! Thank you!

justin60x wrote:

Is the tree not getting enough sun?

Welcome, Justin.
The sapling (it's a very young plant, you do realize that, no?) should be in one place, no moving around, where it can get morning sun and late afternoon sun, but NO direct sun from 11am to 4pm ideally.
Is "under the porch" bright enough?
If the porch is not as bright as dappled sunlight, then the answer is yes, it needs more sun.

justin60x wrote:

Am I watering too much or too little?

I guess too little; you should water it till water is dripping from the holes of the pot. Just a little water to dampen the surface once a day is not enough.

justin60x wrote:

Should I re-pot the tree despite it being the middle of summer here in the US?

No.
Even if your soil looks too organic, water properly and postpone repotting until Spring arrives. Then, IF the plant is healthy change the soil to a good bonsai draining mix.

justin60x wrote:

Should I add fertilizer to stabilize the tree and bring back the vibrant green colors?

Giving it some fertiliser when it gets happy again is advisable.
I have been using organic pellets (Biogold) and my saplings look very healthy.

justin60x wrote:

Any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Keep it outside, keep it alive.

Thanks so much for the reply!! Any ideas on why the leaves are turning a yellow color? Could it be the lack of water or lack of sunlight?

justin60x wrote:

Any ideas on why the leaves are turning a yellow color? Could it be the lack of water or lack of sunlight?

I think both...