sad wilted bonsai

February 21, 2006 7:04 AM

so, the person in charge of my (gardenia) bonsai while i was gone let it dry out. the branches are all still green where i scratch the bark, so i know it's not dead, but the leaves are all shriveled and faded (instead of dark, glossy and pert). i really know nothing about caring for the tree (it was a gift) but it was in great shape when i left it with buds about to open. what should i do to bring it back to good health?
posted by crush-onastick to Home & Garden (1 answer total)

Unfortunate timing, as (at least in much of 4-season N. America) gardenias are due to bloom presently. Well, not this year.

First, set a basin of room-temp water in the tub or sink, and submerge the thing, pot & all, to just below the rim of the pot. Let it stay there for 20 or so minutes, or longer if it's still bubbling. Let it drain freely (I'm assuming it's in a bonsai pot w/ proper drainage, etc.). Let it sit for a day. See whether and to what extent it perks up.

Next, cut away all dead/dried foliage, twigs/stems & all. You'll be taking off a significant portion of the foliage, I'm sure. Under ideal circumstances, you'd also lift the tree from the pot & trim an approximately equivalent portion of the rootmass, and then repot. Not this year, though, since the tree's probably not robust enough to survive this well.

Put it somewhere that gets a ton of bright light, and that stays at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Feed it occasionally with a dilute (1/4 to 1/3 strength) fertilizer for acid loving plants (e.g. Miracid.). n.b. On a healthy plant, typically I'd say 1/3 to 1/2 strength

If it perks up well for you in the coming weeks, move it to a outoor position (but protect from midday sun) when nighttime temps are above 60.

Another good link here.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 7:22 AM on February 21, 2006 [1 favorite]