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Bringing my bonsai indoors for the winter

I have a Chinese bonsai that I bought from a tropical climate dealer. It was doing great outside all summer since last May. I brought it in once it started getting cold at night in early October. First it lost a bunch of leaves, then it got new growth and started getting new leaves but they were much bigger than the old ones. Now it has lost most of its leaves?

Am I killing it? or is it just going dormant for the winter? I can't leave it outside it will die in the NY winter? Any help will be appreciated. Sorry I forgot to take a picture.
Asked by Tim Dobert 9 months ago
 
Best Answer - Chosen November 5, 2009 by Asker
Votes: +0
Answered by BonsaiMark on October 29, 2009
Tim

My experience with Chinese Elms is most of the leaves should return. There is always the chance of some "die back" happening.

My thinking is once the tree starts to re-leaf you can then give it some fertilizer. I would go with a 1/2 dose at that time. Preferably something organic. Meanwhile make sure the tree gets amble light and watch the moisture content in the soil. Chinese elms tend to like less water than most bonsai.

ciao!
bonsaimark
 
Other Answers (3)
Votes: +0
Answered by BonsaiMark on October 28, 2009
Tim

Can you tell us what species your tree is? Or post a picture of its leaves? This will help me understand better what is happening and why.

Thanks!
bonsaimark
 
Votes: +0
Answered by TinyRoots / Admin on October 28, 2009
Tim,
Did the person / nursery you purchased the tree from provide care instructions? It's common for trees to lose their leaves when they are brought indoors. Some are more fussy than others.

Don't fertilize your tree for a few weeks - you never want to feed a weak tree. In the meantime, please try uploading a picture of the tree. We are in the process of uploading care sheets for a variety of species, take a look and hopefully you find them helpful.

BonsaiMark - Maybe a Chinese Elm???
 
Comment by Tim Dobert on October 29, 2009
I have posted some pictures of my elm. Thanks for all the help.
 
Comment by Tim Dobert on October 29, 2009
sorry I just reported myself as well...hit the wrong button.
 
Votes: +0
Answered by BonsaiMark on October 29, 2009
I think it is a Chinese Elm from what I see. Tim: Follow what TinyRoots mentioned and the tree should recover. Make sure the tree gets good sunlight once it in the house.

If you have any more questions please ask!

Ciao!
Bonsaimark
 
Comment by Tim Dobert on October 29, 2009
Thanks for the help. Will the tree get new leaves or does it stay this way until spring? How do I know when I can feed it again?