Dying tree

I dont have any pictures atm, but I have a tree, which I think is dying. Its a Sageretia
It was growing a bit, getting new shoots, and throwing out long new branches with long internodes. From certain branches. Some branches were losing its leaves. The tree was in a dry soil, dirt and the standard mix that all my trees have come in. Which I didnt feel was good for them. Often it has clay in it so it would harden if it dries.
I repotted it into the new soil im using. The cat sand stuff. Really good drainage and works well so far for my other trees.
But, the tree has still been losing leaves. They get brown in the tips, fine branches is drying out, and some leaves are getting yellow. I really had no idea what I should do. So today, I cut it radically back. Do you think Ive just signed its death sentence? I know its hard to answer since I dont have any pictures to show, but this is all I have atm. Any chance anyone can give me a tip what to do? Its standing inside in the windowsill, getting some sun, but really not enough. My ficus is doing ok with it, but since its snowing so much, its mostly clouded.

Sincerely
Storm.

Hi Storm,
I have success growing Sweet Plums under flourescents. I use cool white tubes, without a diffuser, and it grows all winter long; I have pruned it three times this Winter so far; the internodes are average. The tree does best when 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) from the flourescent tubes. Sometimes a branch will die part way back or all of it, for no apparent reason. I don't think you signed its death sentence by pruning it. Since you already changed the soil to a good draining soil it probably won't get water logged. How did the old soil smell when you repotted? If it smelled "musty or moldy" then the roots were too wet.This could cause branch dieback and leaf problems. Long internodes indicate "not enough light".
Try growing it under flourescents and see if your results improve. Of course, nothing is better than direct sunlight, outdoors, when the weather is warm enough. Or do you have another window with better light? Good Luck!

Growing bonsai indoors is always a lot of hassle.

Maybe chinese elm would be the best match with the climate you're having where you live : I think they are much more resilient than sagretia or even ficus, and can be kept inside all year round...

Thanks for the replies guys. I have been thinking alot about the flourescent lights, but I cant afford it right now. My priority is electricity !

Your problem may be humidity rather than light. Do you have a humidity gauge? If your house is very dry, put a humidifier near your bonsai collection.
Iris

AlainK wrote:
Maybe chinese elm would be the best match with the climate you're having where you live : I think they are much more resilient than sageretia or even ficus, and can be kept inside all year round...

Have you ever grown Chinese elm indoors all year round? Do you know anyone who does? For how long?
Iris

I didnt think it was so dry here. I live in a cellar appartement, and there is even water on my windows, hehe. Gonna move soon - thank god.
I have humidity trays for all my trees so I could have water on them for the whole time.
Could it be chill? The windows are getting a old and lousy so I can feel a draft from outside. Maybe its just getting week when the cold sets in.
I have had my chinese elm outside the whole time.
I had my tree inside when I bought it. All the leaves dropped off. It got alot of sun and the window was open 24/7. Then I put it outside and within a week it was covered with green buds. then I just let it be, and it has been that way the whole winter. The pot was frozen solid. It got snow on it, and I didnt touch it. So I went outside and cut off a few small branches. All green inside. So they seem to withstand dramatical temperaturechanges.
Then I took it inside. Now I dont think it will survive. Havent shown any sign to survive the last couple of weeks. I did a bit of work on it. removed some bad parts of the trunk, since I hollowed it after the summer.
How do I care for that afterwards btw? Shall I use cut paste, leave it be, burn it or..? I dont know where to get the white stuff you use on shari, and that wouldnt be appropriate to use on a hollowtrunk anyways would it?