Wibbly
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Not looking too healthy!?
2005/11/01 09:16
Hello all. Hopefully some help can be offered?
My 'Seymour' seems to have gone down-hill and am wondering if he's dead?
Haven't had any fresh green shoots for about 6 weeks.
In the summer i repotted him after 2 years of fairly consistent growth. I did use a pot that was approx 25% bigger. Other than the pot size and being re-potted, nothing else has changed, i.e watering and feeding intervals, position e.t.c.
Could anyone tell me if they think he has passed or could he still be just re-establishing himself?
Thanks in advance.
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placer14
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Re:Not looking too health
2005/11/01 11:18
There are a few important pieces of information that we'd need to give you a decent amount of help on this.
First, I can't imagine what type of plant (animal?) a "seymour" might be. So if you could give us a picture or maybe a botanical or common name, that would be loads of help. Once we determine that, we'll be able to tell you if the summertime was the right time to be repotting your "seymour".
Second, what area (state/province/country?) are you growing "seymour" in? And under what conditions? Full sunlight (all day light), partial sun/shade (half sun half shade), full shade... I'll assume your watering pattern isn't a problem because he's been growing fine for 2 years already.
Third, have you noticed leaves dropping? Unusual growth on the plant? Bugs? If you did this in the summer, a few months have already passed and if the tree was dying (in the exception that it's a coniferous tree, like a pine or juniper) it will have already started to drop its leaves. If the leaves are still in tact, chances are good that your plant is hibernating/recovering.
If I've missed anything, someone else feel free to chime in. :)
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Wibbly
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Re:Not looking too health
2005/11/01 11:38
Thanks for getting back so quick.
Sorry to sound so obtuse. My 'Seymour' is, i think, a Chinese/Japanese Elm. Allegedly quite hardy to beginners shortcomings?
I am growing the tree in the south of England and he used to spend most of the time outside in the day, during summer. Watered almost every other day to keep him just moist. As i say, he was going good for two years!?!
At this time of the year, he spends most of the day in full light but behind a window. It's of average temperature.
The leaves have been dropping some. Most are hanging on but the majority are a little brown. He has done this before but grown again after a time. That is why i was perhaps wondering how long a tree can go, realistically, without growing new shoots and still be regarded as alive.
Also, if i have killed him, i would like to know how so i don't repeat it next time.
Pot too big is the only thought i had really?
There doesn't appear to be any discoloured or unusual growth? No bugs, i can see.
Thanks again, in advance.
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placer14
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Re:Not looking too health
2005/11/04 13:10
I think it's safe to say that a pot that is TOO BIG is not the reason for this hesitation in growth. I'll have to refer this to Merv for more information as I feel I've exhausted all my helpful suggestions. Merv?
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Wibbly
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Re:Not looking too healthy!?
2005/11/08 09:08
Thanks for your kind attention to this. Maybe 'Merv' may shine a little light.
Still no green buds. 2 months gone. Has old 'Seymour' gone?
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bonmore
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Re:Not looking too health
2005/11/09 20:51
Hello Wibbly,
I can understand feeling upset after treating and maintaining your Maple bonsai successfully for such a long time without a negitive happening. All plants have a built in desire to survive, one of the challanges we face when we grow a plant in an unusual manner (i.e. as a Bonsai) is to find out if the plant is happy. The best way to do so is to find out all we can about the plant, unfortunately, this information is not always available.
I have no idea how many times your maple had been repotted since you accuired it, however, the root system is quite sensitive when the plant is in a full growth stage. If you did not allow the maple to drop sap and go into a hibernation stage during the winter months it will grow weak and will basically die a slow death, showing very little new growth. Another challange is too much water, if the soil remained soaking wet for months on end the root system will eventually begin to rot. When you repotted were you able to see if there was any new root growth? Growing an outdoor plant indoors is quite tricky and it will need constant attention.
Last but not least the best time to repot a maple is during the winter months when sap is down. It is always necessary to learn as much about any species before Bonsaiing it. Don't let this death discourage you, I have killed my fair share and have learnt from these experiences.
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Wibbly
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Re:Not looking too health
2005/11/10 08:59
Thanks very much for paying my problem such experienced attention. Much appreciated. I may well keep tending to him for a month or so to check he isn't just resting. Anyway to know, for sure, if it's died?
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bonmore
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Re:Not looking too health
2005/11/10 18:05
Yes there is an easy way to chech on its health.
Using your fingernail, scratch a one eigth piece of bark off the trunk. Preferably at the base of the trunk.
If the tiny opened area is White or Green then it is still alive.
Now Wibbly I hope you are sitting down for the next observation :-(
If the exposed area is Brown, there is no more life in the tree.
If you are concerned and have found it to be alive, it is safe to recheck at least once a month.
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Wibbly
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Re:Not looking too healthy!?
2005/11/11 03:08
Thanks very much for that. It's appreciated. I will have to check on him tonight, bracing myself for the worst!! LOL.
I shall probably be back on, on monday to ask for a view on the best replacement, paying heed to my 0/1 success rate!!!
Thanks again.
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placer14
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Re:Not looking too healthy!?
2005/11/12 18:48
I think your stats are better than mine at this point. ;)
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