chris wrote:
I bought this tree about 6 months ago, its about 3 years old ...
I have started fertilizing it for about 2 months now, after the last
time it looked considerably worse the next day. I had been told I could
Miracle grow at about half the dosage listed on the box. I really don't
know what to do now to help it get better. The leaves on the
underneath of it have always been brown (I was told this was normal)
but now the leaves on the top have started to turn as well since the
last fertilizing.

I have been watering it regularly since I got it. I spritz the leaves
daily and don't allow the base to dry out at all. I would greatly
appreciate any advice on what to do here to care for it.


Your last paragraph worries me. Of course I have no idea
where you got the tree from, or whether they knew anything
about growing bonsai, but few conifers will live for long if
their owners "don't allow the base to dry out at all."

If the needles are turning brown, it may be too late.
However, stop watering so much. Let the soil go almost dry
between waterings. Water from the top, NOT by submersion,
and don't fertilize every time you water. A sick tree
probably can't use the fertilizer.

The tree MUST be outdoors. Morning sun is fine while it is
ill. Full sun, or nearly so afterward. Winter and summer
-- unless you live in Alaska, in which case some winter
protection is desirable, but it still should not come into
the house.

Good luck, but I don't think you should get your hopes up
too much.

Jim Lewis - - This economy is a wholly
owned subsidiary of the environment. - Gaylord Nelson

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