MisterMcFeely
Seedling
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Hey all,
Sad to say that my first post here is a plea for help, but I can assure you that I'm open to all suggestions and plan to diligently implement any advice you have.
Wanting to jump into the world of bonsai - I've always loved these tiny trees but never had the spending money to devote to it - I purchased a Fukien Tea tree from a reputable eBay seller. I received the tree in apparently good health (as seen here HERE) and proceeded to water it sparingly, as I understand that Fukien Tea trees need to dry out a bit between waterings and because the soil never seemed to fully dry anyway. I never, however, let the tree soil get bone dry (as I mentioned, the soil doesn't seem like it ever gets dry even 3 to 4 days after watering). The tree sits on a windowsill that allows it to get sun most of the day, but never direct sun. I read this is what these trees like.
Nevertheless, the tree started dropping leaves and by two weeks in, had lost every single leaf, despite the leaves looking healthy - I understand that Fukiens drop leaves at the slightest stress, but they do grow back.
I was put off by this, but nevertheless continued my careful regimen, and to my surprise the tree started growing back leaves at every "node", for lack of a better word. As you can see HERE, it looked wonderful.
Of course, my happiness was sooned dashed by the fact that the tree is once again deciding to drop all its leaves. Its quite bizarre to watch a plant seemingly come to life and vigorously start growing leaves, only to have these not-yet-full-grown leaves already start to fall as you can see HERE.
I've read countless posts on Fukien Tea trees and - apart from coming to realize that this shouldn't be considered a beginner's tree as its often billed - my only thought is that the tree was planted in suboptimal soil which is too compacted - I notice that the soil always feels wet even days after watering - I took a picture of the soil HERE. But that's the only thing I can think of. House is ALWAYS kept between 74-77 degrees and I even have a humidity tray for the plant.
What the hell am I doing wrong?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice you can give!
Sad to say that my first post here is a plea for help, but I can assure you that I'm open to all suggestions and plan to diligently implement any advice you have.
Wanting to jump into the world of bonsai - I've always loved these tiny trees but never had the spending money to devote to it - I purchased a Fukien Tea tree from a reputable eBay seller. I received the tree in apparently good health (as seen here HERE) and proceeded to water it sparingly, as I understand that Fukien Tea trees need to dry out a bit between waterings and because the soil never seemed to fully dry anyway. I never, however, let the tree soil get bone dry (as I mentioned, the soil doesn't seem like it ever gets dry even 3 to 4 days after watering). The tree sits on a windowsill that allows it to get sun most of the day, but never direct sun. I read this is what these trees like.
Nevertheless, the tree started dropping leaves and by two weeks in, had lost every single leaf, despite the leaves looking healthy - I understand that Fukiens drop leaves at the slightest stress, but they do grow back.
I was put off by this, but nevertheless continued my careful regimen, and to my surprise the tree started growing back leaves at every "node", for lack of a better word. As you can see HERE, it looked wonderful.
Of course, my happiness was sooned dashed by the fact that the tree is once again deciding to drop all its leaves. Its quite bizarre to watch a plant seemingly come to life and vigorously start growing leaves, only to have these not-yet-full-grown leaves already start to fall as you can see HERE.
I've read countless posts on Fukien Tea trees and - apart from coming to realize that this shouldn't be considered a beginner's tree as its often billed - my only thought is that the tree was planted in suboptimal soil which is too compacted - I notice that the soil always feels wet even days after watering - I took a picture of the soil HERE. But that's the only thing I can think of. House is ALWAYS kept between 74-77 degrees and I even have a humidity tray for the plant.
What the hell am I doing wrong?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice you can give!
