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I’m a first time bonsai owner with a satsuki azalea that was gifted to me this winter. In Chicago. Great start, right?

For awhile it was way too cold outside this winter to put the bonsai outdoors (negative Fahrenheit temps). But it’s been mild recently so I put it outside.

Now the leaves are turning brown (see pic in attachment). Is this a result of overwatering? I stuck my finger in the soil and it’s not too damp, but lightly moist to the touch. I haven’t watered it in a few days.

Also: It’s about to get down to the 20s here with snow. At what temp should I put the bonsai inside? I do have a semi-insulated garage but it has no windows. The next best option I have is to bring it inside and put it in my draftiest window.

Please help. I don’t want this guy to die!

negative fahrenheit temps are definitely too cold for an azalea. -5 C. did the pot freeze completely? You may have to wait until spring to know what happened. I built a makeshift greenhouse with bubblewrap to protect min?. I used some heating elements to keep the temperature abvoe freezing.

tubaboy wrote: negative fahrenheit temps are definitely too cold for an azalea. -5 C. did the pot freeze completely? You may have to wait until spring to know what happened. I built a makeshift greenhouse with bubblewrap to protect min?. I used some heating elements to keep the temperature abvoe freezing.

It was not outside when the temps were negative. I put it in the draftiest window possible, but it was inside.

Does the bonsai need to be kept above freezing?

How long was it inside? The care Page here on recommends protection when temps reach - 5 C. I kept min? slightly above freezing, as many other care guides recommend that. I had it in a greenhouse.

It was inside for about two or so weeks.

Even bubble wrap insulation doesn’t seem like it’ll be warm enough to withstand our winters.

instantphoebe wrote: It was inside for about two or so weeks.

Even bubble wrap insulation doesn’t seem like it’ll be warm enough to withstand our winters.

Bubble wrap does not keep anything warm that isn't warm.

Auk wrote:

instantphoebe wrote: It was inside for about two or so weeks.

Even bubble wrap insulation doesn’t seem like it’ll be warm enough to withstand our winters.

Bubble wrap does not keep anything warm that isn't warm.

Do you have any suggestions for my particular situation?

instantphoebe wrote:

Auk wrote:

instantphoebe wrote: It was inside for about two or so weeks.

Even bubble wrap insulation doesn’t seem like it’ll be warm enough to withstand our winters.

Bubble wrap does not keep anything warm that isn't warm.

Do you have any suggestions for my particular situation?

First, let us not talk about what the requirements for your “bonsai” are. There is no standard , it depends on the species.

You have not been able to give it proper care - which caused it’s decline.

All you can do now is:
Keep it in a cold space - without frost
Wait till spring
Water it properly
Pray to your favotite god

Auk wrote:

instantphoebe wrote:

Auk wrote:

instantphoebe wrote: It was inside for about two or so weeks.

Even bubble wrap insulation doesn’t seem like it’ll be warm enough to withstand our winters.

Bubble wrap does not keep anything warm that isn't warm.

Do you have any suggestions for my particular situation?

First, let us not talk about what the requirements for your “bonsai” are. There is no standard , it depends on the species.

You have not been able to give it proper care - which caused it’s decline.

All you can do now is:
Keep it in a cold space - without frost
Wait till spring
Water it properly
Pray to your favotite god

It was a gift and I’m asking for help. I specified the species already. I received it during the worst time of year in my climate, and it’s not doing well despite a lot of research. I am now turning to the forum for advice.

Your response does not need to be so abrasive or callous.

I'm sorry I missed that you were from Chicago. I know of some Azaleas that grow in Minneapolis, as my sister, who lives there, has a couple. But they are not satsuki.
You probably won't get around building some sort of greenhouse to keep the plant warm with your winters. Bubble wrap is only good for short term, and not very cold situations, as Auk said. The only thing you really can do, is take as best care of the tree you can and hope. Have a look at these:

www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/azalea