Japanese Maple Is Sick

Carcey

Well, I'm relieved to know that I haven't killed my maple! Looks like it will be taking a summer vacation in the shade, or perhaps inside with my orchids.

Jennifer, just a tidbit about Texas...Satan called up God, one day, and told Him about some trouble he was having with a Texan who'd been sent down there. Seems the Texan was installing air conditioning!!! By the way, I'm a 7th generation native Texan and this is MILD compared to late July and August!!!

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Thomas_J.

As for changing the soil this time of year; not really. About all you can do now is put it in a larger container with the right type of soil. The roots will expand into this and should overcome any potential problems for now. Don't disturb the roots at all. Make sure the container is large enough for the roots to expand, even if you put it into something that's not a bonsai container until next Spring at repotting time. Hope this helps. Since you live in Arlington, have you ever checked out the Ft. Worth club? They meet at the Bontanical Gardens.

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Thomas J.

tdlabrie

Thomas_J,
Were you talking about Texas or everywhere? I just bought my first Japanese Maple a few weeks ago, just a baby, still in the nursery pot to fatten up a bit. I live in Seattle, but, unlike what you "foreigners" all think, it does not rain here every day! In fact today, though not even July, the forecast is for high 80's; and it's not uncommon to reach 90's or even triple digits in the summer.

I have my baby in an area, protected well from wind, where the sunlight (from the south) hits it from about 9:00am to about 3:00pm, all other times it's in shade. I thought that would be pretty ideal, but what do I know, I'm a newbie!

What do you think? Too much sun? Or maybe take care until it's bigger and stronger?

Thanks.

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Terry
(Green Pea)

JTriptow

Matt,

Thanks for the info about sunburn. The power of knowledge...
This new Wikipedia is wonderful.

Thanks again,

Jennifer

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JTriptow

Carcey,

I'm certainly no expert... but I do believe that putting the tree inside would be a bad idea. A shadier and less windy spot outdoors would be best.

As far as the Texas heat, I think I'm going to become a hermit until September. I dont really have to leave my house, do I?

Jennifer

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jeremy_norbury

About putting the tree inside - it all depends on where "inside" is. It might help actually. It would need to be a humid place like a greenhouse/glasshouse. Your living room doesn't count, generally. :-)

Jerry

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numbaten

Thomas J. , I put it in a larger pot, like you said.
I did it quickly and did not mess with the roots at all. It was out of the pot long enough for me to see that other than a top layer of that red looking dirt, the rest of the pot contained what looked to be good bonsai soil.
I went ahead according to the plan anyway, as a larger pot will do this tree good. It realy does'nt belong in a bonsai pot at this stage, I know that now.
Thanks,

Allons, Randy

Thomas_J.

tdlabrie,
I can't speak for your part of the country since it is so much different than mine. I would assume you would want to give it protection from extreme sun and heat where ever you live, so do that and see what happens. As has been stated, the curled up leaves will just look bad but won't hurt the tree. experiment this year and see what does and doesn't work and try something different next year if you have to. Above all, have fun doing bonsai.

Jennifer,
being a hermit until Sept. might not be long enough. Labor Day is sometimes one of the hottest days around here. Sept. itself can be rentless with heat. Usually by mid Oct. we'll get some relief. And then you'll have all winter to dred the coming summer.

Randy,
Glad it worked out alright for you. Just set your sights on next Feb. for repotting.

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Thomas J.

Carcey

In regards to what I meant by "inside", I'm referring to my orchid room...strong filtered light (my cattleyas LOVE it), mid 70's to low 80's temp., and 60-70% humidity. Not to worry, though, I found a semi-shaded protected spot outside for the maple.

Jennifer...I guess you don't have to leave the house if you don't want to, but you may get a little lonely so I'll send over my two cats to keep you company (they're DEMONS and I'd LOVE the vacation!!!)

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Bonsai-folk may be small, but we're wirey!!!