How to Revive a Dying Bonsai Tree

Withered, drooping, and brittle branches are true signs of a sick bonsai, and it can take some time to revive a dying bonsai.

Whether it's been neglected or infected, a dying bonsai needs immediate attention if you're going to save it.

9 Steps to Reviving a Dying Bonsai Tree

Not all bonsai can be saved from a state of death, but with a little care and attention, your bonsai can have a chance.

Master the Art of Bonsai – Explore Essential Books on Growing and Shaping Bonsai!

SaleBestseller No. 1

The Little Book of Bonsai: An Easy Guide to Caring for Your Bonsai Tree

SaleBestseller No. 2

The Complete Book of Bonsai: A Practical Guide to Its Art and Cultivation

SaleBestseller No. 3

The Bonsai Beginner's Bible

Once you've revived your bonsai, carefully follow basic care processes to keep your houseplant healthy.

Step 1: Prune Dead Sections

Use sharp, sterile pruning shears to remove any areas of the bonsai that cannot be saved, such as dead or broken branches and wilted foliage and stems.

Cut the branches down to the trunk or guide.

Step 2: Check the Cambium

Note that the changes in the cutting areas are green and reasonably healthy. Expect your bonsai to recover if the exchange is healthy, as this shows that the tree is still viable.

Don't panic if the gears in some areas are dry and others are not.

Step 3: Prune the Roots

Take the bonsai out of its container to prune the roots and transplant them. Inspect the root system thoroughly.

Use sharp, sterilized scissors to prune dead and wilted roots. Remove all infected, dead, and damaged roots from the system.

Cut these areas back to the root dough.

Step 4: Place in Water

Place the bonsai in a clean glass container and fill it with warm water so that it reaches just past the root system.

Let the bonsai rest in the water while you clean the pot and create your soil mix.

Step 5: Prepare Container and Soil

Wash the bowl with a mild detergent and warm water. Make sure to remove any particles that are trapped inside the container.

Create an open, porous soil mix with good water-holding qualities.

Incorporate equal amounts of nutrient-rich potting soil, perlite, and pure sphagnum moss. Mix the elements well to obtain a balanced clay.

Step 6: Repot Your Bonsai

Cover each of the drainage holes with wire mesh, then fill the container a third of the way with the soil mixture.

Center the bonsai in the container and fill the rest of the way with soil.

Take your bonsai and place it in a sink or bucket if it is large enough. Fill the sink with warm water so that it reaches about 1 inch above the surface of the bowl. Let your bonsai sit in the water until the bubbles stop rising.

Step 7: Choose a Prime Location

Remove the bonsai from the water and let the water flow through the drainage holes. Place the bonsai in a warm, partially shaded location with morning sun and afternoon shade, preferably 4-6 hours of sunlight a day.

Choose a well-ventilated area to promote good cell development. If the temperature at night is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, your bonsai can go outside. In winter, place it in a south-facing window if possible.

Step 8: Water Your Bonsai

Water your bonsai regularly with warm water when the soil dries on top. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid excess water.

If the soil is dry to about 1 cm deep, water the bonsai to ensure that the roots do not dry out. Check the soil daily, especially on hot, dry, or windy days.

Step 9: Give Your Bonsai Time

Give your bonsai some time to regenerate. Be patient, as bonsai can wait until the next growing season before showing any real signs of revitalization.