Japanese Andromeda, Losing Leaves And Branches

Dee

I have a Japanese Andromeda that was wintered in a cold frame on my fire scape in NYC. Of all my bonsai's wintered this way, this is the only one that is drastically losing leaves and the branches they are attached to appear to be drying out. I believe I watered it properly for the winter, so I am thinking it has slight winter damage and that it should recover. However, should I put this sick tree in the shade as opposed to day sun AND should I prune the seemingly dead branches off now to help the recovery. There are many small branches being affected.

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Dee

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rockm

Japanese andromeda are senstive to 'wet feet' as bonsai. They don't like soggy soil and react in a manner like you describe when they develop root problems. Overwintering on a fire escape or balcony doesn't provide protection from fluctuating temperatures and too much moisture. It's a difficult thing to protect against.

I'd take a look at the roots of the plant to see if they're rotting. If they are, an emergency repot into more freee draining soil may be necessary.

Dee

thanks for your opinion.

I have since repotted the andromeda 2 days ago and found hardly any roots at all on this 12 year old bonsai. i'm assuming this is probably because the roots were rotted away. I'm not sure what the characteristics of the roots for this species normally are.

I've trimmed the few roots left that were stiff and black, and also pruned the remaining flowers on the tree. I left some leaves on the tree. Not sure if it makes a difference at this point. Should I prune all the branches that are dried out back to a healthier branch section? Should I trim all the remaining leaves off? Not much hope here, but is there any further advice at this point?

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Dee

rockm

There's not much to do now but wait to see if the plant responds.

Freer-draining soil mix and watching the watering--make sure it doesn't stay soggy, could revive it. On the other hand, if the only roots that were left were stiff and black, sound like the plant may be gone. Stiff black roots are usually dead roots.

I'd give the plant another month or so to see if any new growth sprouts.