AusBonsai

Dear All,
I have made the biggest mistake any Bonsai hobbyist should have never done. Yesterday just before I decided to water my bonsai, it started raining and I stupidly think that the rain should be enough to water the bonsai therefore I did not water them. And this morning I was late for work so again failed to water my bonsais.

My Dwarf English Elm did not forgive me for this. This afternoon I noticed that most of the leaves have curled up and dried. I am totally devastated.

I have watered it thoroughly this evening and placed it under semi shade with the hope that it will recover but there is no doubt that the dried up leaves will drop off.

Questions to my expert colleagues, is there anything else I should do? And do you think the tree will recover.

Thank you

Hi Jhalkhoree,
I would mix up a tub of water and Seasol. Mix it at the 25ml per 9litre mix. Place the tree in the tub. Make sure the pot is under the water. Soak the tree for several hours. Put it back in a shaded area and you will just have to wait and see if it will recover. If the roots didn't dry out it may come back for you.

Regards Ray

Aparently the best thing to do is not soak it right away but instead lightly mist putting water into the soil gradualy over time.
The idea being that the dry roots don't get shocked by the sudden flush of water and burst.
I would like to say your tree will be ok. There may still be a chance . Only time will tell
I hope it bounces back.
Ps dont over water it now as it won't need much water with no leaves.

My advice same as Ray. Soak a dry tree as soon as possible to properly wet the rootball. Ordinary watering often will not penetrate into the dry mix so soaking is the best way to rehydrate the tree.
Whether it survives will depend on how dry and for how long. Mostly they will shut off the leaves to save the tree and will grow new leaves when moisture returns. It might take a couple of weeks so do not worry yet.

Thanks Everyone for the advice. I am please to say that the tree has somehow forgiven me! Yes lots of dried leaves dropped off this morning. However there are still plenty of leaves green and alive. Phew!

I basically just did what you say Ray and it worked. Thank you. Lesson learnt.

Will post photo soon.

Regards,
Jay

Jhalkhoree wrote:Thanks Everyone for the advice. I am please to say that the tree has somehow forgiven me! Yes lots of dried leaves dropped off this morning. However there are still plenty of leaves green and alive. Phew!

I basically just did what you say Ray and it worked. Thank you. Lesson learnt.

Will post photo soon.

Regards,
Jay

Hi Jay,
That is very good news. Give the tree a drink of Seasol a couple of times a week. Is sounds like it will recover. It would be good to see a photo when you have the time.

Regards Ray

Hi Everyone,

I thought it will great to provide an update on the progress of my Elm.

I think the picture will say it all

Thanks again for all the advice.

Jhalkhoree wrote:Hi Everyone,

I thought it will great to provide an update on the progress of my Elm.

I think the picture will say it all

Thanks again for all the advice.

Hi Jhalkhoree,
Thanks for posting a photo. Now I've seen the tree I am so please for you that you didn't loose it. Good job.

Regards Ray

Awesome!

Love bonsai happy endings!

My 2c.
Get some wire, benders or whatever is required and put some curves and bends into your branches.
Lovely tree but the nice trunk is being let down by the branches imo