How to revive Japanese Holly bonzai with leaves falling off?

[Moe1]

Hi guys I got this bonsai as a gift , I read about bonsai and based on direction it is suppose to stay outdoor , I received it about a months I have watered it twice on a two weeks intervals, today I noticed that leaves started to fall off is this a seasonal thing or it is too cold for the current weather ? Any advise would be appreciated. 

  

 

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Moe1,

Ilex cenata is an evergreen shrub, so it shouldn't lose its leaves in winter. 

With the watering, you'll want to check the soil to see if it's entirely dried out before your two-week watering interval. Traditionally, bonsai soils are designed to drain very quickly, so you might need to increase your watering. However, you might find that your bonsai pot has poor drainage, and the soil might stay too wet. Managing a miniature tree in a pot is difficult to get right. 

I'd try to get that watering right. Saturate the soil and then check every other day to see when it dries out. When the soil starts to dry out, you can water it again. This will be the correct interval for watering.

Here's a helpful guide: How to grow and care for a bonsai.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Moe1]

Thank you Mitchell for your prompt response, sorry couldn’t respond earlier but yes I took your advise and the leaves are not falling off anymore.