Hi,

Please could someone help us, I'm pretty new to this. My g/f was given a zelkova bonsai (not sure which species it is mind you), who's given it to me as a christmas present, its been deteriating, shrivelling leaves and then dropping off. I've watered it but made sure that it wasn't waterlogged like has been suggested. I've kept it on a window sill, as its winter there's no direct sunlight on it. I've attached some pictures. I'm not sure what else I can do.

I'm not sure, but this tree looks pretty dead to me. You can check by scraping a bit of bark off the trunk and some of the branches. If its green and moist underneath there's still a bit of life in this tree.

Hi Thankyou for your reply, I don't think the tree is dead yet, as you can see with the bottom screenshot there is fresh growth at the end of one of the branches.

Any other idea's what could be wrong?

Do you know what species the Zelkova it is?

Was the Zelkova near a central heating, because that can cause problems.

About the species, I think it is a Zelkova serrata

Hi, the Tree is located about 2 metres away from the nearest radiator.

dhood wrote: Hi Thankyou for your reply, I don't think the tree is dead yet, as you can see with the bottom screenshot there is fresh growth at the end of one of the branches.

Any other idea's what could be wrong?

Do you know what species the Zelkova it is?

Hi dhood,
There are lots of things that could have caused the tree to become like this and you may or may not have been able to prevent this should you have had the right skills. I do not know that. What I do know is that it really doesn't matter now anymore. I'm very sorry that I have to put it like this, but this tree really is dead and I don't think there is anything you can do about that. Maybe, with a lot of care, skills, money and effort you might be able to let that branch you're speaking off (which I honestly don't see) grow a bit further, but I don't think it will be worth it because it will not become a nice and healthy bonsai again.
I'm sorry,

Daan

Hi dhood

Generally zelkovas need to go dorment in the winter. Every one that I have experimented with by keeping them in the house has died in the same manner. My thoughts are that they exhaust all there stored energy trying to grow and wither and die. I bury mine in the ground to the top of the pot or put them in a shed or garage for the winter. I have yet to loose one that way. If you do this you will need to lower its temp a little at a time over a week or two. It will make it go dorment that way without a huge shock. That way you might be able to save it.

this is so agravating this time of year ...so many bonsai are sold as presents to people that get exited to have a bonsai only to have it die because of the inevitable indoor conditions.this descourages people from enjoying the art of bonsai to make a quick buck :evil:

temperate zone trees have to be outside 99% of the time ( they can be brought indoors to display for a bit) and buying/recieving these trees in winter is a death sentance.