too much light?

psykh

I got a tree for Christmas, and everything was going fine til last week. *I noticed that part of my tree was looking a little yellow, and figured that not enough light was reaching it (it was a little shady there, from the corner of my window I guess). *I moved it around, and everything got crappy. *All the leaves on the branch died, and now the rest of the tree is starting to die too. *Any help? *

I'm not quite sure what type it is, so I hope the pic helps. (attach didn't work, so here's a link)
http://psych.8m.net/MU_0041.JPG

Advertisement

Jay

Psykh, welcome. You appear to have a Ficus, I am not positive which variety. Let me ask you a couple of questions that will help us help you.
How warm is it where the tree lives?
Is this the temp all the time?
Have you done any root work on this tree?
Have you trimmed this tree?
How is the humidity by the tree?
Are you fertilizing the tree and with what and how often?

AND the most likely problem is watering. How often are you watering this tree, and how? Let us know and someone will try and help!

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

psykh

Jay - thanks for the reply.

-The temp is around 70(F), I would guess. The thermostat in here isn't much help.
-It's prettymuch constantly that temp. I have my computer on constantly, and that added to the heater keeps it relatively constant. I do open a window occasionally, but it's a few feet away from the tree and is never open more than 6 inches. The tree is also on a table above the heater, but that rarely ever comes on due to the computer's excess heat.
-I haven't done any work on the tree at all. My stepmom got it for me for Christmas, and the place that she got it from said to let it go for a few months to adjust, and then take it to one of their classes to see how things are done.
-The humidity is about average, nothing special.
-I haven't fertilized it at all, beyond what was in the soil initially.
-As for watering, I've been going about every other day. I haven't gotten a chance to get a proper waterer, so I just pour from a cup into my hand and let it drip down. I know that's not the best, but the amount has been constant, and it wasn't a problem prior, as far as I could tell. I also mist it once or twice a week.

Again, thanks for the help.

Jay

OK....it sounds like all is well with your tree, except the leaves turning yellow. Of course it is possible you are just loosing a few leaves, they do that. Is there any new growth? It does seem like you maybe overwatering it. There is a simple way to test for water need. Take a piece of chop stick and place in the soil halfway between the trunk and the outside edge of the pot. Everyday take the stick out and feel the end, if its wet (damp) its OK and no water is needed. Replace the chopstick. If its dry you waited a little to long, it should be turning dry when you water. You can kill a tree quicker by overwatering than by underwatering, although neither is very good for the health of the tree. I know this from experience!!! I am a novice who has been there... done that.... saved a few....learned from the others (I hope).
In general I would think that every other day maybe to often. As for the misting, it will do no harm, but to be useful you need to do it several times each day....a humidifier is better.

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing