BRT suggestions

[aaa_yush7]

Hi, i’ve had this BRT for about a month now. I’ve been watering it every 4 days until the water runs out of the drainage hole. It was being placed close to a north facing window, I recently moved it closer to a south facing window because it received more sunlight. For some reason the leaves are turning yellow and falling off. I am not sure what the problem is. I am thinking about using a humidity tray or maybe adding moss as the top layer. Please, recommend any suggestions! It’s winter here in Virginia and the temperature is about 28f. I keep my room temperature 70-75f

 

[aaa_yush7]

This was the picture when i got the tree from a local Nursery.

 

[Zac]

They might be falling off because of the move to more light. Mine loses its leaves when I bring it inside but then it quickly buds and gets new leaves. It does the same thing when I move it back outside in spring

 

[SFDrake]

Heya and welcome! I'm new to this as well, but here is what I know about my rain tree likes and dislikes....
Little fella loves water. I have well draining soil, and I water daily.
Buddy loves him some strong morning sun. I live in Ft Lauderdale so he stays outside (except the rare cold fronts that make it this far down). You might want to adjust your watering


and lighting. I've heard these guys tend to sulk for a bit when first brought inside for winter. I hope that helps a little. Also when you prune, be wary of die-back. The branch will always die back to the last node, so don't go crazy. I hope some members with more experience chime in, i have a ton of questions myself. Good luck my guy

 

[SWfloirda]

I agree with the thoughts so far. Tree looks pretty good for winter time. Humidity trays don't do anything IMHO. I don't think adding moss is going to do much. A humidifier or a grow light might help it look more healthy for the winter. They are resilient trees as long as you keep it alive for the winter it should bounce right back in spring.

 

[aaa_yush7]

Heya and welcome! I'm new to this as well, but here is what I know about my rain tree likes and dislikes....
Little fella loves water. I have well draining soil, and I water daily.
Buddy loves him some strong morning sun. I live in Ft Lauderdale so he stays outside (except the rare cold fronts that make it this far down). You might want to adjust your watering View attachment 579486


and lighting. I've heard these guys tend to sulk for a bit when first brought inside for winter. I hope that helps a little. Also when you prune, be wary of die-back. The branch will always die back to the last node, so don't go crazy. I hope some members with more experience chime in, i have a ton of questions myself. Good luck my guy

I should also probably start watering it every 2 days. When you water it do you completely wet the plant or just a bit?

 

[aaa_yush7]

I agree with the thoughts so far. Tree looks pretty good for winter time. Humidity trays don't do anything IMHO. I don't think adding moss is going to do much. A humidifier or a grow light might help it look more healthy for the winter. They are resilient trees as long as you keep it alive for the winter it should bounce right back in spring.

I do have a humidifier, is it good to use it everyday or like twice in a week or something?

 

[Zac]

I should also probably start watering it every 2 days. When you water it do you completely wet the plant or just a bit?

Water when soil starts drying out not on schedule keep soil moist but not soaking wet. Water all the way through water some wait bit then water more till it comes out bottom of pot this draws oxygen into soil for the roots.

 

[Zac]

I do have a humidifier, is it good to use it everyday or like twice in a week or something?

I run my humidifier when ever the humidity meter says it's below 45% when I'm home. Make sure you have air movement so don't cause fungal and pest issues

 

[dbonsaiw]

I should also probably start watering it every 2 days. When you water it do you completely wet the plant or just a bit?

When it's time to water, I water heavily. I'll water the soil (I use a well draining bonsai mix), give it a bit, and hit it again. The water runs through each time. To be sure, there is no such thing as "overwatering" in a single watering session. You could theoretically give it 10 gallons at watering times (and just waste water that will run off immediately anyway). You just want to try to ensure that all of the soil got plenty water.

There is no way for anyone to really guide you on exactly when to water your tree. Your tree needs water when it needs water and that will depend on growth and size of the tree, medium, sunlight, humidity etc. These are all variables that are unique to the location your tree finds itself in.

Your tree seems to be doing fine. And it's a nice trunk. Check the soil daily to see what's going on with the water situation. Perhaps it would appreciate some additional water.

 

[Michael P]

Nice looking tree! Suggestions: give the tree as much light as possible. Put it as close to that south facing window as you can, and add a grow light if feasible. Push a wooden chopstick or dowel deeply into the soil and leave it there. After 24 hours, pull the stick out and feel the end. If the end is really wet or dripping, the tree is over-watered. (This is almost impossible if the tree is in proper bonsai soil.) If the end is moist but not wet this is good. If the end is dry or nearly so, water the tree. Leave the chopstick in place all the time so that it is easy to check moisture level.

If you are new to bonsai, the chopstick method is very helpful until you learn how much water each tree needs.

 

[aaa_yush7]

When it's time to water, I water heavily. I'll water the soil (I use a well draining bonsai mix), give it a bit, and hit it again. The water runs through each time. To be sure, there is no such thing as "overwatering" in a single watering session. You could theoretically give it 10 gallons at watering times (and just waste water that will run off immediately anyway). You just want to try to ensure that all of the soil got plenty water.

There is no way for anyone to really guide you on exactly when to water your tree. Your tree needs water when it needs water and that will depend on growth and size of the tree, medium, sunlight, humidity etc. These are all variables that are unique to the location your tree finds itself in.

Your tree seems to be doing fine. And it's a nice trunk. Check the soil daily to see what's going on with the water situation. Perhaps it would appreciate some additional water.

Sound good! Appreciate your suggestions!

 

[aaa_yush7]

Nice looking tree! Suggestions: give the tree as much light as possible. Put it as close to that south facing window as you can, and add a grow light if feasible. Push a wooden chopstick or dowel deeply into the soil and leave it there. After 24 hours, pull the stick out and feel the end. If the end is really wet or dripping, the tree is over-watered. (This is almost impossible if the tree is in proper bonsai soil.) If the end is moist but not wet this is good. If the end is dry or nearly so, water the tree. Leave the chopstick in place all the time so that it is easy to check moisture level.

If you are new to bonsai, the chopstick method is very helpful until you learn how much water each tree needs.

Thank you!