Hello,

Last weekend I purchased the cutest little bonsai, and I'm worried I may have overwatered it. A few of the leaves are brown, and I'm not sure what to do. I've never had a green thumb, and I probably shouldn't be allowed anywhere near plants! But I keep trying because I love them so much. I keep it by the window in my bedroom. I live in a desert area of California, so I thought it would be best to keep it indoors.

I've attached a photo of a few of the leaves. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Possibly sunburn.

kniphofia said:Possibly sunburn.

I've moved it away from the window for the time being (but still close by that it gets some sun). I have some new leaves forming but they're dry and brittle on the ends. I'm at a total loss. It was so gorgeous when I bought it.

You could have two problems, too much sun too soon and under watering.

This plant was most likely grown in a nursery with shade cloth. Any amount of sun will burn it until it is used to more light. But new leaves should come out green and healthy as they developed in the new light conditions.

Are you watering enough? If its in a small Bonsai pot and your room is warm, it could need watering every day and as much as twice a day.

DaisyI said:You could have two problems, too much sun too soon and under watering.

This plant was most likely grown in a nursery with shade cloth. Any amount of sun will burn it until it is used to more light. But new leaves should come out green and healthy as they developed in the new light conditions.

Are you watering enough? If its in a small Bonsai pot and your room is warm, it could need watering every day and as much as twice a day.

It was bone dry when I got it a few days ago, so I watered it, but I haven't watered it since then. I was worried about overwatering. The soil seems damp, but not soggy. It also had to be transported in my car and the sun was horrible that day, so I'm guessing that could have played a major role. My room isn't often hot. But I was at work when I left the blinds open, so the amount of sunlight that came through could have been too much.

It sounds like you and your plant had a rough start. If you can feel dampness, don't water. Give it some time to recover from all its mishaps.