Background: I watered the germinating medium and expected to get 5 – 6 seedlings. To my surprise, 17 seedlings germinated. Now just over 2 weeks ago I planted each of the seedlings out into individual 7-8 cm pots. Before I was able to do this 2 of the seedlings succumbed to a fungus (I think). Their stems went green and then they wilted away. Two more seemed not to have survived the transplanting process since then, but there seems to be a return of this wilting fungus.

I understand these are a warm climate tree and as I am in Melbourne in the middle of winter I’m trying to keep them as warm as possible. So I have kept these individual pots inside in a clear plastic box with a lid. With the lid placed on this box the inside remains quite moist and humid, but I am concerned that temperature in the room I keep will drop to much while I while I’m away. These seedlings have Not been watered since transplanting as their soil is still quite moist.

Questions: Am I being over protective and therefore causing this fungal scourge by keeping them too moist? Is it still a Fungal problem? How do I offset the need to keep these plants warm?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thx in anticipation.

In either case, keeping the lid on that container, probably will not maintain much more temperature than the room air outside, more the humidity, which isn't really a help to either condition.

So, I'd take the top off and try to harden them up a little, even though they are quite small yet.

Is there anywhere else slightly warmer than the room (when you are not there) where you could keep the box? Like on or near a hot-water service?

Though I expect your worst enemy is really, night-time temp.

If all else fails, it's certainly not the end, and more seed can be gotten and re-started in the warmer months, when you can grow them hard and fast. And sterilize the seed-raising mix /pre-treat with fungicide or get /make up one that is mostly sand/perlite without humous and minimise the fungus risk.

Sorry your first attempt not so successful but try with other plants as well and you may find just what you need for your bonsai.