First Bonsai Death (Podocarpus)

[CarpenterDiaz7]

So, sad right now, I purchased this tree in bad shape pre Bonsai in late February, it had some vigor to it, new growth was starting to show. About 3-4 weeks ago I repotted it, did some significant root work, and never trimmed anything off top ( I know go easy on me), after a couple weeks ago the needles started to get really dry and stiff. Lo and behold today I get a little curios and started to scratch it in different spots and I see no green… what do y’all think a goner?

 

[BeepBeepBonsaiSheep]

If a tree is in bad shape, the last thing it needs is touching. Especially conifers. Just let them be and recover for the year

Learn from your mistakes. I’ve had a number of stuff go belly up on me. Luckily cheap nursery stock

You’re not doing bonsai right if you don’t kill a few trees

 

[rockm]

What's all that residue on the needles?

Looks like it might be toast...however, the area you've scratched is callus tissue. Callus tissue isn't going to provide the best info on the plant's life situation, as it is isolated from the live veins on the trunk that transport water...do a similar scratch on the other side of the trunk at about the same level. If that's brown and dead, the tree is most likely a goner. You can still do scratch testing on other parts of the trunk to see if there is green.

 

[coltranem]

@CarpenterDiaz7 it happens to all of us. The thing is do is try to learn from these experiences

 

[LanceMac10]

Tiny Roots brand soil? You need to water way more than you have been.

Podocarpus not a good subject for indoor growing when your first starting.

Did the "place" you bought this tree have any Brazilian Raintrees?