Troubleshooting
Tea Tree Bonsai problems — and how to fix them
Tea Tree Bonsai (Leptospermum scoparium) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Sudden death from drying out
The single most common killer — the rootball must never fully dry. Check moisture daily in warm weather and keep it evenly damp.
Yellowing leaves (chlorosis)
Caused by alkaline soil or hard water. Use lime-free substrate and rainwater, and feed with an ericaceous fertiliser.
Frost damage
Only borderline hardy; cold snaps brown the foliage. Protect from hard frost in an unheated greenhouse or cool conservatory over winter.
Webbing caterpillars and scale
Tea tree is prone to webbing/leaf-tying caterpillars and scale. Remove webbed shoots, pick off pests, and treat with insecticidal soap as needed.
Prevent tea tree bonsai problems before they start
Most tea tree bonsai issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for tea tree bonsai in general rather than its problems? Read the full tea tree bonsai care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Tea Tree Bonsai problems — FAQ
Why is my tea tree bonsai sudden death from drying out?
The single most common killer — the rootball must never fully dry. Check moisture daily in warm weather and keep it evenly damp.
Why is my tea tree bonsai yellowing leaves (chlorosis)?
Caused by alkaline soil or hard water. Use lime-free substrate and rainwater, and feed with an ericaceous fertiliser.
Why is my tea tree bonsai frost damage?
Only borderline hardy; cold snaps brown the foliage. Protect from hard frost in an unheated greenhouse or cool conservatory over winter.
Why is my tea tree bonsai webbing caterpillars and scale?
Tea tree is prone to webbing/leaf-tying caterpillars and scale. Remove webbed shoots, pick off pests, and treat with insecticidal soap as needed.