When the bonsai Ficus leaves turned yellow unlike my Juniper, I got thinking on what’s wrong with ficus bonsai. It’s only then that I tried to find out the reasons and could revive my bonsai tree leaves from turning yellow. I am sure many of us would be having this question. So, you are not far from knowing the reasons and what should you be doing when the bonsai leaves turn yellow. Here is the complete guide!!
Contents
- 1 5 Reasons for Why Bonsai Tree Leaves Turn Yellow
- 2 What Does It Mean When Bonsai Leaves Turn Yellow?
- 3 How Do I Trim My Bonsai To Prevent Yellow Leaves?
- 4 How Often Should I Fertilize My Bonsai To Keep It From Turning Yellow?
- 5 How To Avoid And Help Your Bonsai Tree Recover From Yellowing Leaves?
- 6 Different Bonsai Leaves and Reasons for Leaves Turning Yellow
- 7 Conclusion:
Let us first know the reasons for why the bonsai tree leaves turn yellow:
5 Reasons for Why Bonsai Tree Leaves Turn Yellow
On checking the reasons for bonsai tree leaves turning yellow, I could list down few major reasons as follows:
Nutrient Deficiency
One of the reason for yellowing leaves is nutritional deficiencies. This is usually caused by an imbalance in the tree’s soil, which can be remedied by fertilizing your tree with a high-quality fertilizer designed specifically for bonsai trees. If you’re not sure whether your tree is suffering from a nutritional deficiency, take a sample of the soil to your local nursery or gardening center and ask for advice.
Bonsai needs nutrients like iron, phosphorus, nitrogen to remain green and healthy. Lack of iron leads to discoloration of leaves, whereas lack of nitrogen is one of the important reasons why your bonsai tree leaves are turning yellow. To overcome this you need proper fertilizing for your bonsai. Try fertilizing your bonsai with a balanced fertilizer as per the instructions on the packaging.
Too Much Sun Exposure
Due to too much exposure to sunlight, your bonsai leaves may turn dry and yellow. This wilting of bonsai leaves is a sign that you change the location of the bonsai and move it to a shadier spot.
Overwatering
Overwatering your bonsai is a condition in which your bonsai remains in the water for prolonged period causing the rotting of roots. The roots drown in the water which in turn deprives the bonsai of oxygen and prevents the growth of the plant. In this case, you need to allow the soil to dry out more between watering.
Stress
One of the most common reasons for yellowing leaves is environmental stress. This can be caused by too much or too little sunlight, too much or too little water, or a sudden change in temperature. If you think environmental stress might be the problem, take a close look at your tree’s environment and see if you can identify any changes that might be causing stress. If you’re not sure what the problem is, try moving your tree to a different location and see if that makes a difference.
Also, if moving your bonsai to a different location doesn’t work, you may try pruning back any dead or dying branches.
Pests or Diseases
Sometimes, yellowing leaves can be caused by pests or diseases. Chlorosis is a common disease caused due to mineral deficiency like magnesium or iron in the soil which hampers the bonsai’s ability to produce chlorophyl. This can be identified by changing color of bonsai leaves. If you think this might be the problem, inspect your tree carefully for signs of pests or diseases.
Recommended Reading: Why are Bonsai Tree Leaves Turning Black?
Now, that we are aware of the reasons for yellowing of leaves, let us know more things about it:
What Does It Mean When Bonsai Leaves Turn Yellow?
The ficus bonsai leaves started turning yellow over the time and when studying the reasons for the same it was observed that the major reason has been overwatering the bonsai. When your bonsai leaves have turned yellow it means it has been overwatered, lacks nutrients, exposed to excess sunlight, stressed or is affected by pests or diseases.
If you think it might be a nutrient deficiency, try fertilizing your bonsai with a balanced fertilizer. If the leaves are still yellow after fertilizing, then it’s likely due to too much sun exposure. Move your bonsai to a shadier spot and see if the leaves start to green up again. If you think you’re overwatering your bonsai, allow the soil to dry out more between watering. The leaves should start to green up within a week or so.
How Do I Trim My Bonsai To Prevent Yellow Leaves?
Trimming and pruning the bonsai in right way might prevent the bonsai leaves from further turning yellow. Here is the right method of trimming bonsai to prevent yellow leaves.
To trim your bonsai and prevent yellow leaves, start by cutting back any dead or dying branches. Then, prune off any leaves that are turning yellow. You can also cut back healthy leaves to help shape your bonsai. Remember to always use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
How Often Should I Fertilize My Bonsai To Keep It From Turning Yellow?
Nutritional deficiency might be one of the reasons why your bonsai leaves are turning yellow. To overcome this deficiency, it is important to fertilize the bonsai often.
Fertilize your bonsai every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to prevent yellow leaves. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package, as too much fertilizer can actually cause yellowing leaves. If you notice the leaves are still turning yellow after fertilizing, try moving your bonsai to a shadier spot.
How To Avoid And Help Your Bonsai Tree Recover From Yellowing Leaves?
You can easily avoid Bonsai tree leaves from turning yellow by keeping the following things in mind:
- Fertilizing every two weeks
- Avoiding overwatering
- Providing adequate sun exposure
Even after caring so much for your bonsai, leaves are turning yellow, you might take following steps:
- If your bonsai leaves do turn yellow, prune off any dead or dying branches and leaves.
- You can also try moving your bonsai to a shadier spot.
- If you feel the tree is overwatered, you can wait until the soil becomes a little dry and then water the bonsai.
- Check your bonsai for any signs of pests or disease and treat accordingly. If you don’t see any signs of pests or disease, the yellowing leaves may be due to stress.
With proper care, your bonsai tree should recover and revive within a week or so.
Different Bonsai Leaves and Reasons for Leaves Turning Yellow
Juniper Bonsai Leaves Are Turning Yellow
Juniper Bonsai leaves are small, scale-like leaves that grow in pairs on the branchlets. The leaves are evergreen, meaning they stay green all year round. Juniper Bonsai trees are native to North America, but they can be found in other parts of the world as well. The Juniper Bonsai tree is a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts because of its unique leaf shape and small size.
There are a few reasons why your juniper bonsai leaves may turn yellow. It could be due to a nutrient deficiency, too much sun exposure, overwatering, pests, disease, or even stress.
Wisteria Bonsai Leaves Turning Yellow
The leaves of the Wisteria Bonsai are broad and leathery, with a deep green hue. They are arranged in pairs along the length of the stem, and each leaf has a distinctive point at its tip. The leaves are attached to the stem via slender stalks, which give the plant a delicate, lacy appearance. The Wisteria Bonsai is a deciduous plant, meaning that it sheds its leaves each year. In late autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow before falling to the ground. This makes the Wisteria Bonsai an attractive plant for both indoor and outdoor use.
There are a few reasons why your wisteria bonsai leaves may turn yellow. It could be due to a nutrient deficiency, too much sun exposure, overwatering, pests, disease, or even stress.
Bonsai Ficus Leaves Turning Yellow
The leaves of a Bonsai ficus are small and glossy, with a tapered shape that comes to a point at the tip. The edges of the leaves are smooth, and they are arranged symmetrically along the stem. The color of the leaves ranges from deep green to light green, depending on the variety of ficus. Bonsai ficus leaves are relatively easy to care for, and they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and light levels. However, they do require regular watering and misting to prevent them from drying out.
There are a few reasons why your bonsai ficus leaves may turn yellow. It could be due to a nutrient deficiency, too much sun exposure, overwatering, pests, disease, or even stress.
Conclusion:
If your bonsai tree’s leaves are turning yellow, there are several possible causes. Environmental stressors, nutritional deficiencies, and pests or diseases are some of the most common reasons for yellowing leaves. Inspect your tree carefully and consult with a professional if necessary to diagnose the problem and find a solution.
