Is my Bonsai Dead or Dormant?

Let’s look at some clear signs our bonsai might be dead:

• Leaves are brown, dry, or crispy
• Foliage and new growth stop completely
• Buds turn black or fall off
• The trunk and branches become brittle
• Underneath the bark is dry, not green

Here’s a quick table to help spot the difference:

Common reasons bonsai trees die include underwatering, overwatering, poor drainage, or root rot caused by fungal infections. Pests and extreme temperatures also play a part. If roots are mushy or have a foul smell, root rot is likely the cause.

We sometimes hear about lime sulphur being used on deadwood to preserve it. In the case of a dead bonsai, lime sulphur may be applied to keep the dead parts as a decorative feature, but it will not revive the tree.

Defoliation—removing leaves—won’t help a dead bonsai, either. It’s a technique for healthy, living trees to encourage new growth, not to save those that have already died.

Signs A Bonsai Is Dead

Bonsai trees show certain clear signs when they are no longer alive rather than simply dormant. Paying close attention to the appearance of the leaves, branches, bark, and roots is essential to determine their health.

Lack Of Response To Watering

When we water our bonsai, we usually look for some sign of recovery or perkiness. If the bonsai remains limp, there are no new shoots, and the soil either continues to stay soggy or dries out quickly, it signals a problem.

A healthy bonsai should respond to proper watering with at least a slight lift in its appearance within days, sometimes weeks if recently stressed. If we see absolutely no change, and especially if the soil remains soggy and root-bound, it’s a worrying sign. Over several weeks with no visible signs of new growth or healing, our bonsai may be dead, not dormant.

Leaf Drop With No New Growth

Leaf drop is natural for some species in winter, but if all leaves fall and none return by spring or during a period of warmth, there is cause for concern. If we notice the tree continues to be bare while other plants begin to push out new shoots, this usually means the roots or internal tissues are no longer supporting growth.

A living bonsai will often show new buds or leaves even after a stressful event. When weeks pass with no sign of new growth, especially in species known for resilience, our bonsai might not be dormant—it may be dead.

Here’s a quick list to check:

• No leaves during the growing season
• Buds appear shrivelled or dry
• No swelling at leaf nodes

Brittle Branches

Testing branches can tell us a lot about the health of our tree. Live branches should be flexible, especially younger shoots, and minor bends should not cause them to snap cleanly.

If the branches are dry and snap off with no green tissue inside, this indicates death. We should gently bend small twigs—if they break easily and appear brown or grey inside, that’s a strong sign the bonsai is no longer alive. Remember, do this carefully to avoid unnecessary harm if the tree happens to still be alive.

Brittleness Checklist:

No Green Under The Bark

The scratch test is a reliable way to check if our bonsai is still alive. Using a fingernail or a blunt knife, we should scratch a small area of bark on a branch or the trunk to reveal the cambium layer beneath.

If the layer beneath is green and moist, our bonsai is alive. If the layer is brown, dry, or flaky, then the tissue is dead. Performing this test in several areas can help confirm if only part of the bonsai is affected or if the whole tree is likely dead.

Tip: Scratch on different branches to verify whether the dead tissue is localised or widespread.

Discoloured Or Mouldy Roots

Root health is crucial for bonsai vitality. We can carefully remove the tree from its pot to inspect the roots.

Warning signs include:

• Black, mushy, or slimy roots
• Foul smell from the root ball
• Visible mould or rot on root surfaces

Roots like this show the effects of rot, usually caused by prolonged overwatering or poor drainage. In almost every case, when roots reach this state, recovery is highly unlikely.

Persistent Fungi Or Mildew

The appearance of white mould, dark mildew, or persistent fungal growths on the trunk, branches, or surface of the soil signals trouble. Even after correcting humidity or watering issues, if these fungi remain and cover the same areas repeatedly, our bonsai may have already lost its ability to resist infection.

We might see powdery mildew, fuzzy mould, or black sooty patches. These not only indicate a dead tree but also create risks for neighbouring plants.

Common types you might see:

• White, thread-like mould
• Black, soot-like mildew
• Grey, fuzzy fungus clusters

Insect Infestation

A living bonsai can typically resist or recover from minor pests. But when a tree is overwhelmed by severe infestations—such as scale insects, mealybugs, or spider mites—it can be drained of all life.

If we’ve treated for insects repeatedly with no improvement, and the tree shows no sign of new growth or effort to recover even after pests are removed, it’s likely the bonsai is already dead. Dead trees easily become breeding grounds for continued pest activity since no natural defences remain.

Unnatural Bark Texture Or Colour

Healthy bonsai bark generally looks consistent for each species. If we notice that the bark has become unusually wrinkled, shrivelled, or is cracking in strange patterns without any sign of fresh injury, this is concerning.

Odd discolouration like blackened areas, large flakes peeling away, or sudden, patchy changes in bark colour are often signs of tissues that have died. These symptoms are particularly significant if seen alongside any of the other indicators above. If the bark feels papery, hollow, or unnaturally soft, it’s another reason to suspect our bonsai is not just dormant but dead.

Signs A Bonsai Is Dormant

When a bonsai enters dormancy, several specific and observable changes take place. We can reliably distinguish a tree at rest from one that’s truly dead by looking for a range of visual and physical cues.

Seasonal Leaf Drop

Seasonal leaf drop is entirely normal for deciduous bonsai, especially as autumn arrives. Many of us see our maples, elms, and hornbeams lose all their leaves as outdoor temperatures drop. This process can come as a shock, but it rarely signals a problem in itself.

It’s important to consider the local climate and the specific species we own. Some trees drop their leaves earlier or later, depending on their genetic makeup and where they are grown. For instance, a Japanese maple in the UK may drop leaves as early as October, while others hold on through November.

If leaf loss matches the normal timing for the species and growing zone, we shouldn’t worry. Green stems or swelling buds still present are strong indicators the tree is simply dormant, not dead.

Firm Branches And Trunk

One of the most effective ways to tell if a bonsai is dormant is by gently bending smaller branches. Dormant branches will usually flex without snapping and feel slightly springy to the touch. Brittle, dry branches that break easily could signal trouble.

Healthy, living trees keep a firm, solid trunk and strong bark even when dormant. If we notice any separation, peeling, or spongy areas on the trunk, that’s typically a red flag. When the bark remains healthy and tight, that’s a sign the tree is maintaining internal moisture and life.

Checking a variety of branches and not just one spot helps us get a more accurate assessment. If the main trunk still feels robust, the chances are our bonsai is just resting.

No Pest Infestation

Dormant bonsai should be free from active pest issues. That means no visible signs of insects, webbing, sticky residue (called honeydew), or black sooty mould. Spotting these can indicate a health problem and may contribute to further stress if not dealt with.

Inspecting both the upper and lower leaf surfaces is useful, even on trees that have dropped their leaves. We should also look at branch junctions and the trunk base. Any holes, tunnels, or frass (sawdust-like material) can mean borers or other pests are present, which is a sign of active decline, not healthy dormancy.

Clean, undamaged bark and soil surface are what we’d expect to see in a dormant but healthy tree. If something looks off, we should take steps to address it early to prevent possible lasting damage.

Scratch Test Shows Green

A simple scratch test is one of the most direct ways to check for life in a dormant bonsai. We can gently scrape a small spot on a young branch or twig with our fingernail or a sterilised blade. If the underlying cambium layer is a vibrant, moist green, that branch is alive.

Dry, brown, or grey tissue beneath the bark suggests that part of the tree may be dead. It’s best to perform this test on several areas—if the base and main branches show green under the bark, our bonsai is most likely dormant rather than dead.

We should avoid overdoing this test, as repeated scratching can open the tree up to disease. One or two small spots, hidden as much as possible, are all we need for reassurance.

Firm, Healthy Roots

When possible, examining the roots is another way to determine dormancy versus decline. Healthy bonsai roots are usually firm, resilient, and a light tan or white in colour. They should not be mushy, swollen, or emit a foul smell.

Gently removing some soil at the edge of the pot lets us check the condition of key surface roots. Any soft, blackened, or slimy roots (often a sign of root rot) are not a good sign and point to decay rather than dormancy.

Roots may not be actively growing during dormancy, but they should remain healthy and tightly bound to the soil. If we observe this, it’s a positive sign the tree is simply awaiting warmer conditions to resume growth.

Slow Growth Signs

Dormant bonsai trees stop many external growth activities, but they retain small indicators of potential life. We may notice small buds that appear tight and un-swollen along branches, or even tiny green tips held in stasis through winter.

This paused state is normal for many temperate trees. It’s useful to look for slight swelling at bud sites or nodes, suggesting the tree is ready to burst into life when conditions improve.

Recording how these features change over time helps us spot the difference between a tree simply taking a rest and one that is declining. Any sign of expanding buds as temperatures rise is good confirmation of dormancy.

Subtle Changes In Bark

As bonsai trees enter dormancy, we can often see subtle shifts in bark colour or texture. Slight dulling or deepening of colour is expected during colder months for species like beech, elm, or maple.

We recommend comparing the tree’s appearance to photos taken in previous seasons. Regular photo records allow us to spot normal variations against more concerning changes such as cracking, peeling, or sudden dark spots.

A healthy, dormant bonsai usually maintains intact, disease-free bark. Any drastic alterations outside typical seasonal patterns should prompt closer inspection to rule out issues like fungal infection or UV damage.

Temperature Cues

Temperature and day length are key external cues that trigger bonsai dormancy. In the UK and other temperate regions, outdoor bonsai usually stop growing as temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F) and daylight hours shorten in late autumn.

If we keep our bonsai indoors in a consistently warm and well-lit spot, it may try to keep growing year-round, preventing proper dormancy. For most outdoor species, experiencing a cold, natural winter is essential for their health and seasonal rhythms.

By monitoring temperature trends and the position of our bonsai, we can better predict and support their resting phase. Keeping track of weather conditions helps us understand what’s normal for our species year after year.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between a dormant and a dead bonsai is essential. When a bonsai is dormant, it still holds potential for new growth. If it’s dead, recovery isn’t possible. Spotting the signs helps us act accordingly.

Dormant bonsai:

• Branches are flexible and not brittle.
• Scratch beneath the bark shows green tissue.
• Possible leaf drop in winter, but buds may remain.

Dead bonsai:

• Branches snap easily and are dry.
• Brown and brittle under the bark after a scratch test.
• No sign of healthy buds or growth.

We recommend trying the scratch test before assuming the worst. Gently scrape a small section of bark with your fingernail—if you see green, there’s hope.

Patience is key. Bonsai trees may take weeks or even months to show signs of life, especially after stress or dormancy. Regular observation can help us notice subtle changes.

If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us at Miyagi Bonsai. We encourage you to send photos or ask questions—our experienced team is here to help. Our years of practical bonsai care can guide you through assessing your tree’s health.

Staying observant and reaching out for advice can make all the difference.