How to Care for a Small-Leaf Red Sandalwood Bonsai and Why It Drops Leaves

Red sandalwood is one of the precious woods, and small-leaf red sandalwood ranks as the top grade among red sandalwoods, because its wood properties are extremely stable and furniture made from it does not easily crack. Nowadays, small-leaf red sandalwood potted plants have become popular, and placing one in the home expresses a distinctive temperament, with very high ornamental value. So how do you care for a small-leaf red sandalwood bonsai? Why does it drop leaves?

I. How do you care for a small-leaf red sandalwood bonsai?

1. Do not keep changing the placement of the small-leaf red sandalwood

A change in environment is also a key factor in how well the small-leaf red sandalwood grows. Generally, once a spot is fixed, do not change its position at will, and at the same time keep it in a ventilated place for care, as this is more conducive to its growth.

2. Plenty of sunlight

The small-leaf red sandalwood likes the sun, so it should be kept in a place with fairly abundant sunlight; a balcony or windowsill is a good choice. However, note that in summer it needs appropriate shading to prevent sunburn, and in winter watch out for frost damage by placing it in a relatively warm spot indoors.

3. Reasonable fertilizing

Besides giving the potted small-leaf red sandalwood sufficient base fertilizer, you can also apply additional fertilizer as appropriate according to its growth condition. For example, organic fertilizers such as phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can promote leaf growth and a jade-green color. When fertilizing, be sure to fertilize frequently and lightly, and do not overdo it to prevent excess nutrients.

4. Watering requires attention to technique

The potted small-leaf red sandalwood is not drought-tolerant, so you must master the amount of water given. Generally, water once every three days, though this should also be decided according to the moisture of the potting soil and the growth stage. In mastering watering technique, it is generally better to water in the morning, to prevent too great a temperature difference from damaging the small-leaf red sandalwood through water vapor. When watering, pour slowly from the edge rather than pouring from the top of the leaves. To increase humidity, you can spray water around the leaves to cool them and keep the leaves clean.

II. Why does a small-leaf red sandalwood bonsai drop leaves?

1. Soil compaction prevents the roots from respiring

If the small-leaf red sandalwood develops soil compaction, the soil will not be breathable and will drain poorly, and the roots naturally cannot carry out respiration, so the plant will be unable to take up water and nutrients, and leaves will drop.

2. Too much watering causes waterlogging

Although the small-leaf red sandalwood likes moisture, be sure not to overwater and cause waterlogged, rotted roots; once the roots are waterlogged and rot, the leaves will turn yellow and drop.

3. Lack of fertilizer

If the potted small-leaf red sandalwood goes without fertilizer for a long time during cultivation, it naturally has no nutrients, growth slows, new leaves become lighter in color, and old leaves turn yellow and drop. So apply additional fertilizer appropriately, but be sure it is not too concentrated.

4. Leaves attacked by pests and diseases

Once a potted small-leaf red sandalwood is attacked by pests and diseases, its leaves will drop. So during routine care, pay attention to observing whether there are pests, and once they occur, treat them promptly so as not to affect healthy plants.