名媛直播

Hello everyone,

I’m pretty new to bonsai, and I’ve had my Carmona bonsai for about six months now. I got it from a garden center, and since then, I’ve really become hooked on the hobby! I’m now up to four bonsai trees.

This Carmona has done really well over the summer, with lots of new growth, beautiful leaves, and even berries. However, it’s struggling a bit now that fall has started and temperatures have dropped to around 18°C here.

I keep it in a southwest-facing window where it gets plenty of light, though slightly less now as some outdoor trees are casting shade. I water it whenever the soil feels slightly dry, using the immersion method by placing it in a tray of water for about 5 minutes. I track its water intake, and I also fertilize with liquid fertilizer every 1.5 weeks. Additionally, I mist it twice a week.
Recently, though, I’ve started encountering some issues. There’s been an insect infestation, and despite treating it twice with insecticide, they don’t seem to be completely gone. Mold is also starting to develop on the soil, and I’m noticing more leaf drop than usual.

I’m wondering if my watering technique could be part of the issue. Should I keep using insecticide, or might there be a better approach to manage the insects? Any advice or tips you have would be much appreciated!

Thank you!

Yes, your water technique is part of it, but not the only reason.

Correct watering of bonsai is: when the surface looks dry, with a fine strainer water abundantly over the whole surface until there is a steady stream pouring out of the drainage holes.

Bottom watering depleat the soil and roots from oxygen.