|
Thu, Apr 17, 08 at 17:27
| I received an azelea bonsai as a gift and it is dying. I read on another website that fertilizer might help, so I tried it and now there is a white substance that looks like mold dusting the soil. The instructions the plant came with said that it does not need to be re-potted, but it is sure not doing well. I have tried leaving it in the full sun and putting it in the shade, and it doesn't seem to make a difference.
From reading in the forum, I gather that bonsais are not supposed to be grown indoors. However, I live in an apartment in Chicago and planting it outside is not an option. Is there anything I can do? I promise not to get another one! But I'd really like to keep the one I have. Help? |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| Hi, well azaleas are a bit hard to deal with in Chicago apts. except as seasonal 'throw-aways'. The trouble is that they need to live outside (but not all bonsais do) in a warmer climate than yours, but still have cold dormancy in winter - just not too cold. If you were to have a house with a cold room in the basement that stayed around 40 Fahr. in winter, that would be ideal, but unfortunately you don't. I suggest that if you're interested in bonsai though, there are lots of ways to go, not the least of which is using tropical material for 'indoor' growing, vs things that need months of below freezing to survive. Let me know and I'll help you get started - just don't go buying anything til you know which way to go. |
|
| Do you have windows? It won't help with the azalea, but there are a few things that can grow indoors on a window sill. I have had a variegated ficus benjamina, 2 scheffleras, and 2 jades in those conditions for about one and a half to three years depending on the tree. I think they all would probably be happier outside with at least some morning sun but I don't have time to make the stands to put them on. They are doing pretty well indoors though. The window has to get a pretty good amount of light, too. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Bonsai Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.