thoth037

OK, so I made a mistake that is having some significant consequences. I have some long-term problems with these small flying gnat-like incest around the roots of my root-over-rock Chinese Elm, and some of my maples. I also started noticed aphids on my nearby herb garden, and got concerned they would spread.

I decided to take preventative action on my bonsai and take care of anything that existed there already. I used pure neem oil in a hose sprayer to spray down every surface of my Japanese maples, chinense elm, and cyprus. And then, I used something I used for all my larger trees, Bayer Tree and Shrub Insect Control liquid. This I mixed in my watering can and saturated the pots to get a systemic control of the bugs.

Now, I am not sure if it was the neem or the Bayer, but the next day, my Aka Shigatatsu Sawa Maple, and my Trident Maple immediately started to droop. Next thing I know, the Sawa (my prized piece) was severely drooped. All the leaves were intact and APPEARED healthy, but were all at severe 90 degree angles down. The same for my small trident. However, the trident had more immediate effects, and then most of the leaves turned yellow>brown>and now have shriveled off. My large Sawa's leaves have started to curl. I am terrified that I might have poisoned or damaged them beyond repair. I soaked the small trident base in water to try to dilute any effects, and lightly hosed the leaves of both as much as possible.

I was at the Monastery in Conyers, GA (they have the famous bonsai collection there) this weekend, without the plants, and spoke to one of the caretakers there. He said that yes, I did make a mistake, that the neem is likely suffocating the leaves, and that I need to try to remove it as much as possible. I asked about leaf clipping to help the trees sprout new, healthy leaves, he said that could help. Now I have two problems: one, what about the neem that is absorbed in the soil, is there a possibility it is suffocating the roots? What about the Bayer, with something like that, is it all gone and done with and I've lost them?

I really would appreciate anyone's help on this before it gets worse!

-Will

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