Dwarf Jade Leaf Trouble - New Bonsai Owner

[arrowhart117]

Hey there everyone, I am new to taking care of bonsai trees so I started with a Dwarf Jade as I was told by the seller that they are rather forgiving and good for first-timers. I am having some concerns with my plant after only a few weeks.

Here is the plant when I first received it:


I have been following the requirements of the seller by watering when the soil becomes dry and taking care not to over water it. I have had it since 6/22/18 and only felt the need to water it 3 times, with the third time being yesterday 7/8/18. Unfortunately I feel I am getting mixed signals from this plant.

Here is the tree today:


As you can see, there is plenty of growth, but the leaves do not look as plump or as green. It has also dropped quite a few leaves that were not at all shriveled and looked decently healthy. I used to keep it indoors but I moved it outdoors at the suggestion of the seller. I do not have a west or south facing area to put it, but it does get a decent amount of direct sunlight on my deck for several hours per day.

Any recommendations for improving my little friend's health would be much appreciated!

 

[sparklemotion]

How much do you water when you water it? Does water run out of the drainage holes? (It should).

It's also possible that it is sulking because of the reduced light level indoors. So now that it's outside it will rebound.

I have seen p. afras bounce back from worse looking than what you have.

 

[arrowhart117]

How much do you water when you water it? Does water run out of the drainage holes? (It should).

It's also possible that it is sulking because of the reduced light level indoors. So now that it's outside it will rebound.

I have seen p. afras bounce back from worse looking than what you have.

In terms of watering, I was advised to submerge the whole clay pot in water until the bubbles stop and then let it drain.