Bonsai forum

Is my Bonsai Dead

  • Pianolass
  • Offline Topic Author
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Posts: 2
  • Thanks received: 1

Is my Bonsai Dead was created by Pianolass

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #72094
Hello - new to bonsai but this tree means a lot to me!

I went away and left it with someone and when I came back it was shedding leaves dramatically. I can never determine if it is under watered or overwatered but in this case I think it was under watered. I tried to water it a little more then repotted, but it doesn’t seem to be recovering..! Most of the forums say that it doesn’t need too much water, so I have only been giving it a bit since repotting, so the top of the soil feels damp.. but no water ever comes out of the bottom of the pot ( is this correct? ) Anyway I gave it a good drink tonight as Just giving it a little doesn’t seem to be working.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Very anxious novice bonsai keeper
by Pianolass
The following user(s) said Thank You: ChineseElm

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • ChineseElm
  • Offline
  • Junior Member
  • Junior Member
  • Posts: 24
  • Thanks received: 1

Replied by ChineseElm on topic Is my Bonsai Dead

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #72096
I can't see any photos.

One way to test whether it's alive or not is to scratch the bark and see what colour it is.

If it's green, it's probably alive.
If it's brown, it's probably dead.

Hope it helps!
by ChineseElm

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Pianolass
  • Offline Topic Author
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Posts: 2
  • Thanks received: 1

Replied by Pianolass on topic Is my Bonsai Dead

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #72119
Oh thank you I shall try that . This is a picture hopefully you can see it
Last Edit:2 years 8 months ago by Pianolass

This message has an attachment image.
Please log in or register to see it.

Last edit: 2 years 8 months ago by Pianolass. Reason: Photo was missed

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • m5eaygeoff
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 2991
  • Thanks received: 855

Replied by m5eaygeoff on topic Is my Bonsai Dead

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #72120
You are killing this plant by
1 not watering anywhere near enough.
2 re potting when the plant is weak
3 using poor soil if it is not draining well/or not enough water
4 and you have it inside.
by m5eaygeoff

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Ivan Mann
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 1747
  • Thanks received: 603

Replied by Ivan Mann on topic Is my Bonsai Dead

Posted 2 years 8 months ago #72127

ChineseElm wrote: I can't see any photos.

One way to test whether it's alive or not is to scratch the bark and see what colour it is.

If it's green, it's probably alive.
If it's brown, it's probably dead.

Hope it helps!


The infamous scratch test. The bark on a tree has a very important purpose protecting the tree from insects and disease. Scratching the bark open opens the tree to things the tree does not want. While I do scratch the bark from time to time, it is to verify that a branch is really dead. If all the leaves fell off the tree three months ago, the scratch test will tell me that I really can stop watering it and reuse the pot for something else, but that is just about the only reason for doing this.
by Ivan Mann
The following user(s) said Thank You: BentoSalesBoy

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.