Hi all! I'm an amateur (this is my first bonsai) and I'm afraid I'm killing it. The tree is losing its color and when I touch it leaves fall off (it also feels very brittle and dry), and I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. It's getting plenty of sun and water. Including photos of the sick tree and its healthy friend so you can see the contrast in color. Any thoughts much appreciated!!
Sick tree:
Healthy tree:
Alena, Congrats on joining the great world of bonsai. I am an amateur as well thus very much in the learning stages. When I have had a bonsai die I try to find out the cause. A couple of years back I lost two beginner juniper bonsai from poor soil choice and too much water. I did save
the other two by quickly changing course, as Dan here suggests.
Your other one looks great, so keep up the good work. Pauline
Hi Alena,
The healthy tree looks great! However I'm afraid the "sick tree" appears to be dead.
Food for thought: There are multiple things that could have happened, but over watering is often one of the major causes of decline in these junipers, especially in the soil they often come in from a nursery. Bonsai (especially conifers need to begin to dry out before watering. Well draining soil is very helpful.
I apologize that it took so long for someone to answer you. Welcome! :)
Dan