Yellow leaves on a bonsai tree can be a natural cause or be caused by improper care. The term Bonsai translates to “planted in a container.” The ultimate goal of this type of plant is to grow a perfect miniature version of any tree.
They are not genetically dwarfed plants. Any type of tree can be used to make a Bonsai. They are created by specific pruning and wiring branches to limit and restrict growth.
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Bonsai Leaves Turning Yellow
Bonsai leaves turn yellow if the tree is deciduous. However, a lack of sunlight, over- or underwatering, cold air exposure, recent trimming, nutritional deficiencies, or stress can also lead to yellow bonsai leaves.
1. Natural Yellowing of a Bonsai Tree
If a tree is deciduous, it will turn yellow and shed some of its leaves in the autumn. If your tree looks yellow and dry in the leaves, determine the time of year.
Is it autumn? If so, it might be going through its natural seasonal change. Caring for these miniature trees is the same as caring for their larger counterparts. They will experience the same changes and a lot of the same stressors.
Although most evergreen trees do not lose their leaves in the autumn, they do still shed older leaves. These leaves turn yellow and fall off.
If just a few leaves are turning, then it is likely just the tree going through its natural shedding. If many leaves turn yellow, including new shoots, it is most likely a Bonsai care issue.
2. Underwatering or Overwatering
The first thing to determine is if you are underwatering your Bonsai Tree. This is the most common reason for their leaves to turn yellow. Bonsai trees need their roots to be soaked but not stagnant to thrive.
Check your Bonsai soil daily to make sure it is getting enough water. Stick your finger in the soil. If it is dry on top, it needs to be watered.
To do this, first, soak the top layer of the soil to make sure that the soil absorbs enough of the water to get to the roots. Then pour water liberally into the pot, allowing it to soak in before pouring more.
Too often, the water drains from the sides of the pot and misses the roots entirely since the soil is looser there. I always water it until water comes liberally out of the holes in the bottom.
I check my Bonsai twice a day for moisture. Many Bonsai trees sometimes require multiple waterings per day, depending on the environment and time of year.
I always use soil explicitly designed for Bonsai trees in a pot with drainage holes to ensure proper drainage. If the roots sit in stagnant water, they will rot and are a magnet for parasites. Without proper drainage, it is impossible to tell if you are overwatering until it is too late.
3. Sunlight
The second biggest reason Bonsai tree leaves turn yellow is a lack of sunlight. Like any tree, a Bonsai needs a lot of sunlight to thrive.
The chlorophyll in the leaves is what makes them green. This is produced by sunlight. A Bonsai needs at least 5 hours of direct or indirect sunlight daily.
Each species is different, so it is a good idea to know the specifics of the one you are growing. Some trees prefer indirect light, while others love bright, direct light. One thing is sure, though, any Bonsai without adequate light will struggle to survive.
4. Trimming or Wiring
Sometimes when a Bonsai tree is being over-trimmed, this will cause stress on the tree and cause it to turn yellow.
Similarly, using wire on your tree at the time of growth may break into the bark and leave the tree susceptible to infection and disease. Ensure that the wire is removed in the same season it is put on to prevent this.
How do I trim my Bonsai to prevent yellow leaves?
Always trim it when the tree is in perfect health. Prune them only when they are dormant, and use sterile shears.
Don’t prune a Bonsai tree right after an environmental change or when it is newly repotted. If the leaves are turning yellow, hold off trimming them further until the leaves are green and healthy.
5. Environment
Bonsai trees need to be in an environment that mimics their natural ones. If the full-sized version of your tree needs direct sunlight and 70% humidity, so does the miniature version.
It is really that simple. Too often, the biggest environmental culprit for Bonsai owners is that they let their trees get too cold. Drafts from vents and air conditioners can impact its vitality as well.
6. Nutrient Imbalance
Bonsai trees need to be fertilized during the growing season, but it is possible to have too much of one mineral or nutrient in the soil. For example, if the potassium levels are high, calcium will be low.
This can be checked with a soil testing kit. They are available at most gardening stores. I find that when I use a balanced fertilizer designed explicitly for a Bonsai tree, I have very few issues with it.
How often should I fertilize my Bonsai to keep it from turning yellow?
The best rule of thumb it to fertilize every 7-10 days in the growing season and once a month in the dormant one. Use a fertilizer specific to Bonsai trees.
7. Stress
Like most plants, a change in environment or being repotted can cause stress. This situation is usually temporary with the right amount of care.
Use new soil and a big pot for the root system when repotting. Similarly, if you must change your plant’s environment, it is a good idea to do it in stages to harden it if possible.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.