Odd tree behaivior!

DriftwoodDude

I already wrote this a bit ago but I guess it did not get posted... So here it goes again.



Well I have been trying to grow a juniper bonsai for 4 years now with no luck. I am new to this art but I read a lot and love to learn. All my other trees are good and growing, but my procumbens nana junipers will not grow in containers! (The one in the ground do great).



Here is the situ>

They are in full morning sun and shaded in the afternoon. I have my trees planted in a well draining soil 40-50% black lava cinders (2-3mm in diameter) to 50-60 % organic matter sieved to about 2-3mm. They are misted in the early morning before the light hits them. I keep the soil only slightly moist, never letting it dry out completely. I fertilize with a solution of 5-10-5 about every 3 weeks.



Here are the symptoms>

First I notice slow or no growth. Then the trunk base and visible roots start to develop a pale orange crust. Next the bark starts to appear wrinkled like a raisin. And finally the leaves turn pale green, dry and fall off.



I suspect that it is root rot...But I am not sure. I feel that the watering regime is good as well as soil and things so root rot could not be the case....?



If anyone can help I would appreciate it very much!

Thanks.

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Mcspeed

It does sound like a rot problem, I might cut back a bit on the organics in the soil, you are correct junipers don't like to have wet feet, so your watering doesn't sound bad. Some history about the problem trees is needed I think to get to the "roots' of your issue.

You say in the ground they are ok, when did you pot them up?

How were the roots when potted?, and how much pruning have they had?. Forgot to look at where you are, but have they been constantly rained on this summer, like a lot of us here?

DriftwoodDude

The trees were young nursery stock not too root bound but had some circling, roots seemed good they were repotted in early spring.

I live in the desert. I has rained like twice here for like 15 min. this year.

The temp is ussually about 100 give or take.
I give them supertrive and I alternate using different fertilizers.

I use water from a spring in the mountains here. Maybe too many minerals?

PatArizona

G'day DWDude...

From one Desert Dude to another...

Sounds like way, way toooo much organic for Junipers...and that translates into toooo much water...and that sounds like root rot. And that could mean death to the poor junipers.

And Superthrive? I was once on the Superthrive kick...a long time ago...as in a previous life. But for the last 10 years I've been using DynaGro (a No. Calif company) products...with very pleasing results. If you would like additional info, just ask.

What works for me for bonsai soil is one part lava OR pumice, and one part Turface OR Profile OR OilDri, then add 5%, more or less, medium or small orchid mix (bark). Less bark for pines, junipers, etc., more for Natal Plum, ficus, etc.

Whether it's lava or pumice, and Turface or Profile or OilDri mixed with a little Orchid Mix, doesn't really seem to matter.

Ace Hardware carries Turface and Profile...it may have to be ordered.

OilDri is a high fired clay product similar Turface and Profile. However, it is an automotive product used to clean up oil spills, etc. I've found it at Sam's Club and Walmart. Similar products can be found at most auto parts stores.

Got rot? If there is any question about root rot, simply smell the soil. If it smells, no, STINKS, really bad...that is, stinks like rotten eggs...you've got the rot. This is not to say that if the soil does not stink, that you don't got rot.

Hope this helps...

Pat

__________________
BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

Brent

[QUOTE=PatArizona]G'day DWDude...

... If there is any question about root rot, simply smell the soil. If it smells, no, STINKS, really bad...that is, stinks like rotten eggs...you've got the rot...

You can have root rot without it 'stinking'. Only one pathogenic root rot fungus 'stinks' and that is Pythium. There are several others that are as common or even more common that have no smell at all. In addition, the major cause of root rot is non pathogenic, that is, the roots suffocate and die from overwatering and poor aeration, no pathogen is associated until they are already dead, then composters get to work. These composting fungi are only interested in dead tissue. Believe it or not the occurrence of root rot pathogenic fungi is quite rare in bonsai, except for some very susceptible species such as Acer palmatum.

Brent
EvergreenGardenworks.com
see our blog at http://BonsaiNurseryman.typepad.com

DriftwoodDude

Thanks Pat,
Sounds good, so this automotive clay stuff is safe? There aren't any harmful chemcals in it?
Does it need to be sifted?
So really not much organics at all huh?

Mcspeed

Dude sounds like you have a pretty good grasp, try to lean out the organics to about 25% or less, and use a turface type of product for water retention, it works better than wet peat. Unless you find that the orange crust is a fungus etc. that you are picking up from local Then it will need to be treated accordingly. Check into a local nursery see if they can help.

DriftwoodDude

The only problem with lava rock is that it tends to accumulate mineral salts. Have you ever had any problems with mineral salt build-up?

DriftwoodDude

Whats wrong with Superthrive?

Do you have any sources for medium or small orchid mix (bark). I have only been able to find large bark

Do you think redwood bark would be better?

What are your thoughts on using only OilDri for potting medium?