|
| Hi, I'm a beginner in handling bonsai. A few months ago, I picked up an Ilex bonsai from TESCO. It looked in pretty good condition, and I took it home and put it on the windowsill. It had a good source of light, and I kept the soil moist. (I noticed that the Ilex attracted a lot of mosquitoes). A few light pink flowers grew on it (towards the end of Summer?) and I noticed a red berry on it as well. But now half of the leaves are brown and even though it is autumn, it looks very much like it's dying. I don't know what happened! I'm going to replant it and see if that helps. Does anyone have any ideas of what might of happened, or if I should give it plant feed? Or even better, does anyone know what species of Ilex it might be? |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a (My Page) on Sat, Oct 29, 11 at 13:29
| Why did you bring it inside? Did the person who sold you this bonsai tell you to do that? That's probably why it's dying/dead. Not only do plants need air circulation, I doubt those were mosquitos - most likely fungus gnats that eat decomposing No way to ID the plant without a pic.
Josh |
|
| Thanks for your reply. I have a book that says that bonsai plants are OK kept inside, as long as you keep them in a bright location... I guess I should have been more careful. I will put it outside, and also try uploading a picture... |
|
| This is my bonsai, the camera makes the leaves a lot greener than they really are. |
Here is a link that might be useful: bonsai
|
- Posted by wizzard419 none (My Page) on Sat, Oct 29, 11 at 15:46
| To get rid of the fungus gnats you can brew up some mint tea (I've heard it works with chamomile as well) and while it's still not (not too hot) you can carefully pour it on the soil. The heat will kill the larve and the smell will drive off the flies (best to do it outdoors). I did it about a month ago and have yet to see one return. Some people do it and don't see them back for years. |
|
- Posted by greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a (My Page) on Sat, Oct 29, 11 at 16:46
| Thanks for providing a pic. Get it outside in some bright shade, not full sun. If it recovers, move it into a sunnier location. The best way to get rid of fungus gnats is to simply get rid of the peat-based potting soil. Also, fungus gnats don't really harm plants...they're mostly just a nuisance.
Josh |
|
- Posted by wizzard419 none (My Page) on Sat, Oct 29, 11 at 17:39
| Was the window you were keeping it in full sun or sunny most of the day? It might have also gotten too hot. Do you recall if the nursery had the plants in a shaded section or if it was full sun? When it's shaded that usually means you could have it indoors as long as it doesn't get too much sun (morning is usually the best). I still set mine outside every so often as well, so that they can get some temperature variance and so forth. |
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.