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bonsai-john CA
(gw:bonsai-john) on Sat, Sep 2, 06 at 2:55
| I have a six year old japanese maple in training. It's always been in good shape... it lives in a small (but not bonsai-small) pot. Recently, when I was repotting a bunch of other plants, I moved my maple into a different pot with new soil. I had a bad feeling though, as it is late summer, and spring is the time to do it.
Now its leaves are turning black and falling off! I brought it indoors for a while---to get it out of the wind, etc. Is there anything I can do to help it? I would hate to lose it... it's my favorite plant. Also, if it continues getting worse, is it possible that it could go dormant, look dead, but come back again next year? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| What did you pot it into (soil-wise)? That sounds like a serious case of too much water being held in/by the soil much too long. Did you also cut roots? Bringing it inside achieves nothing good, but after repotting it should have been in a shady place. |
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- Posted by bonsai-john(gw:bonsai-john) onSat, Sep 2, 06 at 12:49
| I put in a mix of basic potting soil (I know, it should be a "bonsai" mix, but the maple has been thriving in potting soil for years) I didn't prune the roots... I was prepared to, but they didn't look as if they needed it. I think you are right about too much water being held... should I let it dry out? |
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| Yes, but not in a somewhat shady place, and not totally, of course, was ~ 2/3 (you'll have to judge really). In late Oct/Nov. you can repot into a better mix with lots of grit. You do need to use some kind of fungicide though now, one of those house plant 'drenches' you can find at a garden centre - look for a tiny brown bottle called No Damp and follow directions. |
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- Posted by bonsai-john(gw:bonsai-john) onSun, Sep 3, 06 at 2:01
| Thanks for your help, Lucy... Should I really repot it again in Oct/Nov.?? I put it outside in between other pots to stop the wind. I think it stands a better chance back outdoors, but it still isn't looking good. I'm letting it dry out. |
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| Hi - I made a big typo - I said NOT in a shady place, when I meant just the opposite! Don't put it in full sun. As far as repotting, wait and see if it survives and does well. Now that you know the problem, and now that winter's coming anyway (never water once soil freezes, but do allow it to get snowed on) you can be extra careful - a leafless tree uses very little water anyway - and the black ones should be discarded/burnt), and maybe wait til March. |
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