Question
I recently bought a jade bonsai on the advice of the nursery manager who said it was very hardy and would be easy to keep alive. However, it has been just over a week and some of the leaves are turning brown and others have fallen off. I have only watered it twice (it was bone dry when I bought it) and I waited to water it until it was dry most of the way down the soil. It gets a lot of sunlight throughout the day. What am I doing wrong or are the leaves falling off and turning color normal? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Bonsais are rarely easy and nearly always very expensive - and profitable! Unlike many bonsais, a Jade can survive as a houseplant.

Bonsais are potted in a variety of different containers of different sizes and shape and with varied soil compositions. Thus, I cannot say just what the problem is. Did the nursery manager tell you how often it should be watered and describe where it should be locate relative to a window? If not, he should have.

I strongly urge you to take it back and have the manager explain to you what the problem is. After all, he said it was hardy and easy and he should know exactly how much light and water it requires.

I can only provide you with general cultural requirements for Jades and they may not be so appropriate for your particular Jade. What is happening to yours is not normal and I suspect that soil is getting too dry.

If you cannot get satisfaction from the nursery manager, then email me a photo and I will do my best to give you more specific information.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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