Chinese Elm

[gardenerperson]

Hi there

I am a complete bonsai novice with a Chinese Elm bonsai. I was given the plant a month or so ago, when I repotted it. Now all the leaves seem to be turning yellow and are falling off. This is very concerning! Please see the attached picture

If anyone could tell me what to do I would be extremely grateful!

Thanks

[kcpoole]

one does not usually repot in spring unless we have to, Was there an issue needing fixing?

I am assuming you root pruned as well? How much was removed?
What is the watering Regimen?
What is the soil like?
In full sun or shade?

If i was repottign Deciduous trees now i wodu remove most of the foliage to limit expiration.

Ken

[tgward]

new rule----------everybody submit landscape not portrait photos

[gardenerperson]

Thanks for the reply

I only re-potted it because that was the instructions given to us by the person who gave the plant to us!

The plant was initially in a deep plastic pot and is now in a much shallower pot, so we had to trim quite a significant amount of the roots away

We have been watering about every 3 days. At the moment its on a balcony which gets morning sun. The spot that it's in is very shady though, it doesn't get any direct sun. Its easy to change the watering regime / move to a more sunny /shady spot. I'm just not sure what is needed though!

Your expert advice is much appreciated! Thanks

[matty-j]

Hey Mate

My is not all is lost, I think you have really stressed the tree out and thats why it is loosing leaves, but there are plenty of green ones on top unaffected, this is a good sign! if the tree was really struggling then it would drop all its leaves.

you stated that it was a month or so ago since you repotted, is there any sign of new growth? are there new leaves on the tips of the branches waiting to open up? and are there any new buds popping along the trunk or branches?

I would be watering it with Seasol 2 to 3 times a week for the next few weeks and make sure its getting morning sun but misses the heat of the day.

and

Cheers
Matt

[kcpoole]

Yep just stressed from repotting, but IMHO not enough water. This time of year, water daily, and with seasol, 2 - 3 times a week

Ken

[gardenerperson]

Thanks for the advice

I've loaded up the plant with seasol and have moved positions and am about to give a quick water. Hopefully it kicks on! To be honest I can't see much sign of new growth on the stems.

Thanks again, hopefully it turns the corner soon

Cheers