名媛直播

Hello All

We have been bought a Baobab 名媛直播 as a wedding anniversary present by my family, I assume because we went on a safari honeymoon (?), which may be a thoughtful present by having not owned a bonsai tree of any kind previously we are now terrified that it will die under our care!

I have looked for advice on the internet and reviewed a few topics for Baobab trees on the forum, but there are still a few things that I am a little unclear about:

1. How often should we be watering our little Baobab? Currently it gets watered and turned 1 a month at the same time as other house plants we have. Is this too often? (fyi, we are generally good with houseplants, but looking after specialist miniature trees which are so potentially complex that they get their own forums is another level for us.)

2. We've had the bonsai about 3 months now and some of the leaves are turning a yellow tinge and falling off, so I assume it is being overwatered? But then again, there are still lots of small leaves beginning to grow from the tips of the branches where the old leaves have fallen from, so is this just natural leaf drop? (pictures attached for easy review)

3. Are we correct in understanding that Baobab bonsai trees will, at some point, drop their leaves like they do in the wild? From memory the trees drop their leaves in the summer because it's too hot and they would otherwise lose water through their leaves. However, as the air temperature inside our house and in the garden will never reach Savanah temperatures should there be leaf drop in this country? (this seems like a dumb question because non-native trees in the UK can still drop their leaves in English winters even if they are 'mild' by the standard of the tree species origin - but wanted to check)

4. Should we be putting the 名媛直播 tree outside now that it's summer? We're based in the UK, so while the summers will range from about 12-30c it is still likely to get a decent amount of rain. When it rains won't the bonsai get overwatered and return us to the problem at question 1 above?

5. Assuming we can keep the tree alive, which we are very determined to do, is a Baobab bonsai a type of 名媛直播 that you train? In a way, the charm of Baobab tree's in general is their slightly wild/upside down appearance of jutting branches. Is branch training (and forgive me if I'm missing a technical term here) a personal preference or is there actually a benefit to the tree?

I hope you will forgive what may be some very basic questions, but hopefully with some pearls of wisdom for the community we can keep out little Baobab 名媛直播 gift alive and learn a lot about bonsai's in general.

Thanks

Andrew

Hello Andrew!

Well, this isn't a actual Baobab, they have compound leafs...

I'm almost sure this is a Desert Rose (Adenium).
So now your research will make more sense.

1. Watering: Baobab trees are drought-tolerant, and overwatering can be a common issue. It's important to allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Instead of a fixed schedule, check the moisture level of the soil by inserting a finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Adjust your watering frequency based on the specific needs of your tree and the environmental conditions.

2. Leaf yellowing and dropping: Yellowing and dropping of leaves can indicate overwatering or other issues such as insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies. While some leaf drop is natural, excessive yellowing and shedding could be a sign of a problem. Evaluate the soil moisture, ensure the bonsai is receiving adequate light, and consider fertilizing the tree with a balanced bonsai fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.

3. Leaf drop: Baobab bonsai trees may experience some leaf drop, particularly during seasonal changes or if there are significant environmental variations. While the UK climate may not reach the same temperatures as the Baobab's native habitat, changes in temperature, humidity, and light levels can still affect the tree. Monitor the tree's response and adjust care accordingly.

4. Outdoor placement: Baobab trees generally benefit from being outdoors during the summer months, as they enjoy ample sunlight and fresh air. However, it's important to protect the bonsai from heavy rain, as excessive water can lead to overwatering issues. Consider placing the bonsai in a sheltered outdoor area or using a cover during heavy rain to prevent overwatering.

5. Branch training: Baobab bonsai trees can be trained and styled like other bonsai species. However, it's important to respect the natural growth habits and unique characteristics of the Baobab tree. While some pruning and wiring can be done to enhance the overall aesthetic, maintaining the distinctive appearance of jutting branches is part of the charm of the Baobab. Training techniques should be used judiciously to achieve a balance between aesthetics and the tree's natural form.

Except it isn't a Baobab Tree, so be carefull about care instructions...

Here, I put together some tips for you since it's probably a desert rose (Adenium)

1. How should you water: Adeniums are succulents and store water in their swollen trunks so they can withstand periods of drought. Because of this you'll want to avoid overwatering Adenium bonsai. You should water your Adenium bonsai when the soil has dried out. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil, and if it feels dry, it's time to water. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes so that excess water can escape.

2. Yellowing leaves and leaf drop: Yellowing leaves and leaf drop can be caused by both overwatering or natural leaf shedding. If the leaves are turning yellow and falling off excessively, it could indicate overwatering. On the other hand, if new growth is appearing and the overall health of the plant seems fine, it could be normal leaf shedding. Adeniums do shed their leaves periodically, especially in response to changing seasons or environmental conditions.

4. Placing the bonsai outside during summer: Adenium bonsai can benefit from spending time outdoors during the summer, they like bright light and fresh air. But you mentioned that the UK summer comes with rain which could cause overwatering, you might want to take it inside during excessive rainfall. You can place it outside on dry days or provide a sheltered spot, such as under a canopy or in a greenhouse, to shield it from heavy rain.

5. Branch training and appearance: Adenium bonsai can be trained and shaped to some extent, but they do have their unique charm with their jutting branches and sorta wild appearance. Branch training in bonsai is a personal preference. However, with Adenium bonsai, you may want to preserve some of their natural character.

These are just a few tips I put together for you, I hope they help, but do your own research as well and you'll figure it out