Wilting Fukien

Evelyn

My Fukien Tea Tree was purchased five months ago at a mall store outlet for a large bonsai nursery on Long Island. It seemed to be doing very well, it is 4 years old and has grown a lot. Lately, it has been losing its leaves. I soaked it in the sink the day before yesterday and today, its main branch of leaves has withered and drooped. The leaves are randomly browning. One side is completely bare of leaves and the branch on this side seems dry. It didn't have many leaves to begin with, but now almost none! I fertilized it today in an attempt to bring it back. I have to admit, I left it without water for a little bit and the moss dried out. Is there any hope?

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Jose_Alberto

well, I think you've got a root bounded fellow... I'm not sure, but because of the synthoms you're giving... well...

If you left it dry for longer than a week, it caused the problem, if not, I would bet that it's a root bound problem...

Wait until one of the experts give you advice before doing a thing...

Take care...

__________________
Jose Alberto Franco
Guatemala
Central America
http://www.doschivos.com

jackmickelberg(deceased)

Do you have a digital camera? If so, carefully lift the tree out of the pot, holding it gently by thebase of the trunk, and take a picture.

If you don't have one, try your best to describe the condition of the roots. I tend to agree with Jose. I would check for a root problem first. Alsom where is the tree kept? Inside or out? If outside, what percentage of the day would you estimate it gets direct sunlight?

Capt. Jack

Earl

From my indoor "bible"...Paul Lesniewicz "Bonsai in Your Home" (If you are going to try much indoors, BUY this book. It's great.) "Always keep the plant uniformly moist, because it will shrivel easily and simply stop growing if the root ball has been allowed to dry out." I let one of mine get too dry and all the leaves went brown and then dropped off. But I kept it watered and it is now greening up again (6 months later) so hopefully yours will make it even if this was the problem.

Jacks advice is good...that will elimate or confirm root problems. My guess is it's the watering.

I think you are over rehabilitating that tree. This is actually worse on the tree in its condition. If you give a blast of fert after a drought to the roots, you could have also added by burning the roots and possibly giving them nutrient lock up. And, soaking once a day is most likely excessive. In its weakened condition, the already finicky roots of a fukien can rot really easily. From almost killing some of my fukiens a couple times when I started growing them, I would say no more fertilizer, and water just before the soil is completely dry. And, make sure its getting nice well circulated air.

I would recommend putting it outside in partial sun in addition to the other things that you may need to do. After it is doing better you could transition it to full sun or move it back inside. My fukiens have always recovered quickly outside. I repotted one of them and accidentally cut 95% of the roots off (they were all fused together). All the leaves fell off and then it regrew another set. It took a little while but the tree is fine now.

Also, stop picking it up and putting it in the sink. Fukiens do not like to be moved around too much. It may just be dropping the leaves because it doesn't like this kind of treatment (they are kind of temperamental).

Evelyn

Thank you all for replying! Here's what happening now... I moved the Fukien to an open window (I live in an apt. building- no outside access) where it has been for the last couple of days sunning. I have slowed down the watering, once every other day. However, I have discovered a new problem which I am terrified is killing her! I had an ivy go the way of the nasty spider mite recently that was near my Fukien. In the more pronounced sunlight, I discovered tiny webs in the nooks of her branches. I did my best to clean her off. Can the mites be the cause of her sudden demise? Is there any repair? I would be extremely grateful for any advice you can provide.