droopy leaves on japanese prickly ash
- yokosocko
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I'm a complete beginner in plant care in general, much less in bonsai, so I'm at a loss here. I got a zanthoxylum piperitum just over a month ago, and I attempted to do some pruning and wiring.
Initially, I placed it indoors in a location with only indirect sunlight, but after reading that bonsai is best grown outdoors I moved it to my little balcony. I water it every 1-2 days, and I make sure the soil is completely soaked through. I have not added fertiliser as it hasn't been long since I got it from the nursery.
On the plus side, I can see little leaves growing from the places where I pruned. However, the leaves of the plant have become droopy and I don't think it's due to dehydration as it is still droopy after watering. Could it be that it is not used to being outdoors, as it was inside the nursery shop when I got it? For reference to the seasons, I'm living in Barcelona and the winters here are not very harsh.
I'd appreciate any advice possible, I really don't want to kill this tree with my incompetence
Here's a picture of the tree:
Initially, I placed it indoors in a location with only indirect sunlight, but after reading that bonsai is best grown outdoors I moved it to my little balcony. I water it every 1-2 days, and I make sure the soil is completely soaked through. I have not added fertiliser as it hasn't been long since I got it from the nursery.
On the plus side, I can see little leaves growing from the places where I pruned. However, the leaves of the plant have become droopy and I don't think it's due to dehydration as it is still droopy after watering. Could it be that it is not used to being outdoors, as it was inside the nursery shop when I got it? For reference to the seasons, I'm living in Barcelona and the winters here are not very harsh.
I'd appreciate any advice possible, I really don't want to kill this tree with my incompetence

Here's a picture of the tree:
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Last Edit:4 years 5 months ago
by yokosocko
Last edit: 4 years 5 months ago by yokosocko.
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- rooben0610
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Replied by rooben0610 on topic droopy leaves on japanese prickly ash
Posted 4 years 3 months ago #66430
It looks wilted, mine was in a similar condition. I haven't fed mine for a while but the feed helped. Do you mist the plant? If not mist it everyday to keep the leaves humid.
by rooben0610
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- lucR
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How long was it inside? Could still be struggling from that lifethreatening situation ( trees die inside our dry homes)
...Misting doesnt help... or you have to mist every 10 minutes or so...
Do not fertilise either, never on a unhealthy plant.
You should not water on a schedule, but by evaluating the humidity of the soil. How do you water? It should be done like a rainshower, from above, with a garden hose or watering can untill water spills from the drainage hole underneath.
...Misting doesnt help... or you have to mist every 10 minutes or so...
Do not fertilise either, never on a unhealthy plant.
You should not water on a schedule, but by evaluating the humidity of the soil. How do you water? It should be done like a rainshower, from above, with a garden hose or watering can untill water spills from the drainage hole underneath.
by lucR
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- yokosocko
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Replied by yokosocko on topic droopy leaves on japanese prickly ash
Posted 4 years 3 months ago #66527
I'm not sure how long it was inside the store. It's not a particularly dry environment, though, as it isn't temperature controlled. I water it once every day or every two days, and each time I ensure that water thoroughly permeates the entire pot. I don't block the drainage holes.
by yokosocko
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- Tropfrog
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Replied by Tropfrog on topic droopy leaves on japanese prickly ash
Posted 4 years 3 months ago #66530
Balconny is a hard place to grow bonsai. You need to water until a steady stream pours out of the drainage holes neighbours under dont normally appreciate that. I would guess underwatered due to those circumstances.
by Tropfrog
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- yokosocko
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Replied by yokosocko on topic droopy leaves on japanese prickly ash
Posted 4 years 3 months ago #66531
I water it in the sink/shower so that water comes out of the drainage holes, and I do it a few times over some minutes before bringing it back to the balcony.
Nonetheless, I had to leave it in the care of my flatmates as I am on a longer trip away and I think they're really killing it. When I get back I will try to water it even more deeply.
Nonetheless, I had to leave it in the care of my flatmates as I am on a longer trip away and I think they're really killing it. When I get back I will try to water it even more deeply.
by yokosocko
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