If your beloved bonsai tree has not looked its best lately, you may be wondering if it is dead or alive. But before jumping to conclusions, there may still be hope — follow our tips to determine just what condition your bonsai is in and how to revive it.
Check for signs of life
A bonsai tree in the “dead” state may still look green even if it has not been taken care of properly and is wilting. While this doesn’t necessarily mean your tree is alive, it does indicate that there could be a chance at revival. Take a good look at your bonsai’s leaves, branches, and overall shape to look for signs of life, such as new growth or some movement in the leaves when you touch them softly.
Carefully examine the roots and foliage
Start off your evaluation by examining the root system—this is where the clues to your bonsai’s life or death will be found. If you have access to the root system, look for firm and healthy roots, as these are a good sign of life in your tree. If you don’t have access to inspect the roots, carefully examine how dense and intricate each branch looks, as well as its color and consistency—any discoloration or flaking on the bark may indicate that it is not just sick, but dead. Additionally, pay attention to any new growth on branches or leaves and if they feel brittle when touched, these too could be signs of a declining tree.
Catch up on watering and pruning
Begin by giving the tree some much-needed TLC in order to bring it back from its potential death. Like with any living organism, proper hydration is essential so make sure that your bonsai tree gets enough water. And like all things dead or alive, pruning is important for maintaining both its structure and health, creating neat and attractive shapes as part of the process. Follow guidelines specific to each species when pruning, being sure not to remove too much growth and to make two cuts only when necessary—this will aid in preventing pest infestation while giving you more control over shaping the tree as you grow it back to life.
Evaluate the potting medium
The potting medium can sometimes be a telling signs of the health of your tree; wet or dry soil can indicate dehydration and poor nutrient absorption. Feel between your finger and thumb to test the dampness of the potting mix—it should not be completely dry, but rather slightly damp and with a spongy feel when squeezed. Additionally, check any other plant matter in or near the container as additional clues; if there is discoloring or growth problems, it could be an indication that your bonsai tree has taken water and nutrients poorly due to improper soil conditions.
Provide adequate light and humidity levels
To keep your bonsai tree healthy, it’s important to provide the optimum light and humidity levels. If you’re unsure if these areas are sufficient, experiment with a few different spots in your home or office to see which one provides the best balance for your tree. Place it near a window that receives plenty of sunlight but don’t leave it for long periods of time in direct sun—this can lead to scorching and dehydration. Additionally, ensure that the environment has enough humidity; this is especially important during the winter months when central heating can drastically reduce humidity levels. Consider using a humidifier to maintain good humidity levels and further protect your bonsai tree from dehydration.
