Please help, beautiful bonsai is dying and I do not know how to save it :(

[emmmy23]

Hello, I really hope I can find someone who can help me, I think my Bonsai tree is dying and I do not know how to save it

I brought this beautiful tree about six months ago from Ikea after dreaming about buying it for years, however over the last couple of months all of the leaves have fallen off and now a white fluff (Mold? Fungus?) has started growing on the top half of of the trunk, there are a couple of leaves growing at the base, should I saw off the top of the tree to try and save the park of it that is still alive?

I would really appreciate any advice you could give me, for reference I have attached some photographs. I have not re-potted it since I brought it and have started using Westland bonsai feed to try and help it. There is not a lot off sunlight in my room at the moment so I have put it right in the window to try and it it a best chance.
I simply do not know what to do.

Thank you everyone who takes the time to read and reply to my post, I wish you all well
Em x

 

[emmmy23]

I live in the UK by the way, my room is also not facing the sunlight, I have tried to move it as close to the window as possible to try and help it

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Hello and welcome Em!

Unfortunately it may be too late for this Ficus. The entire top half up until the green shoot down low looks to be dead. To verify, you can lightly scratch the bark and see what color it is underneath. If it's green is still alive, but judging by the mold on the bark it's most likely no longer living.

This tree will need a ton of sunlight and not overly wet soil to make a comeback.

 

[emmmy23]

Hi Ryan, thank you so much for getting back to me!
I scratched the bark like you suggested, part of it was green and part of it was dark brown, I pointed in the photo to where I guess this change has happened

I brought some Vogek plant grow lights from amazon, should I cut the tree? Or just try and give it as much light as possible? Do you think the feed will help?

 

[emmmy23]

Should I cut the tree to try and save the part of it that still has green bark? Would this be a really bad idea?

 

[Cadillactaste]

I highly suggest reading over Brian Van Fleet's method of watering. The substrate in the first photo looks exceptionally...dry. plants can have dieback when not properly watered. We also don't want to drown a plant so they don't get the oxygen they need. Its a good method to learn how to understand when one waters.

Watering Bonsai Trees

Watering Along with proper siting, proper watering is among the most critical tasks to master to become successful in the art of bonsai. Water too frequently, or too infrequently, and the tree's health declines. Usually, the symptoms of...

www.bonsainut.com

 

[emmmy23]

I highly suggest reading over Brian Van Fleet's method of watering. The substrate in the first photo looks exceptionally...dry. plants can have dieback when not properly watered. We also don't want to drown a plant so they don't get the oxygen they need. Its a good method to learn how to understand when one waters.

Watering Bonsai Trees

Watering Along with proper siting, proper watering is among the most critical tasks to master to become successful in the art of bonsai. Water too frequently, or too infrequently, and the tree's health declines. Usually, the symptoms of...

www.bonsainut.com

Thank you so much, this guide is VERY insightful!
I was nervous to over water the plant, but I think I went the opposite way. Do you think this is a dieback? I hadn't heard of this before, will it be able to recover? Should I cut off the dead part of the tree to try and save it? If it does survive what will happen to the dead part of the tree?

 

[emmmy23]

Hello and welcome Em!

Unfortunately it may be too late for this Ficus. The entire top half up until the green shoot down low looks to be dead. To verify, you can lightly scratch the bark and see what color it is underneath. If it's green is still alive, but judging by the mold on the bark it's most likely no longer living.

This tree will need a ton of sunlight and not overly wet soil to make a comeback.

Hi Ryan, thank you so much for getting back to me!
I scratched the bark like you suggested, part of it was green and part of it was dark brown, I pointed in the photo to where I guess this change has happened

I brought some Vogek plant grow lights from amazon, should I cut the tree? Or just try and give it as much light as possible? Do you think the feed will help?

Sorry I relived I hadn't replied to you before, only added an extra comment to the section so ! am not sure if you would see it

 

[Hartinez]

Chopping off the dead bits is def suggested, but without proper sunlight this tree is doomed for death. Even with proper watering which also looks to be insufficient, not having full sun will prove fatal for this one. Don’t be disheartened if it does go, even the best of us have lost MULTIPLE trees over the years. I personally have lost more than I care to say.

 

[emmmy23]

Chopping off the dead bits is def suggested, but without proper sunlight this tree is doomed for death. Even with proper watering which also looks to be insufficient, not having full sun will prove fatal for this one. Don’t be disheartened if it does go, even the best of us have lost MULTIPLE trees over the years. I personally have lost more than I care to say.

Hi Hartinez, thank you for your reply, I have ordered a saw and grow lights to try and save it, I will cut off the dead part and try my best to save the rest. Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate the advice

 

[Cadillactaste]

Not seeing the entire tree. I'm not sure I would cut it back just yet. I might be more apt to see where it buds back to...and maybe see if a new leader could be chosen...and then chop. Dieback from lack of water...once you offer proper horticulture I can not see it dying back further.

I did notice the base is cool. A shorter tree in there isn't a bad thing. Though I understand your love of the movement. You may end up with a really cool tree none the less.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

I think the top of the tree is definitely dead. I would follow Cadillactaste's recommendations regarding the top of the tree, and try to get this tree into better sunlight or under grow lights and properly watered. Once you get some healthy growth, I'd look into repotting into a better soil, but only after you get this tree somewhat healthy and into a better environment for it to thrive afterwards.

 

[sorce]

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[Bnana]

Shortening this tree will only make it look better in the long run I think.
For now I agree that good care (watering correctly, lots of light and a bit of fertilizer) should be your priority.
Once it is looking happy you can repot and think about styling.
If you have questions just post them here.