White Roots

Dag936

I recently bought a Japanese Larch (larix leptolepis). As I was transferring it to a larger pot, I noticed a few of the roots were white, and there was a sort of mucus looking spot near them. I wasn't sure if these were just new roots (I know they're white as they start out), but there were so few of them, and since most root growth stops in the fall, I thought this wasn't the case. I had the same problem with a cedar (im not sure of the exact variety) I had last year. I planted it in the ground, and its health started to fail (browning foliage). I dug it up in January to see what was wrong and the root ball was covered with these white strings (could these have just been new roots?) Could anyone tell me what this seems to be, is there any treatment I should be giving it? Thanks.

-Billy

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Ralph

If by mucous, you mean wet and slimy, it would sound like root rot to me.
Remember in bonsai culture, the soil has to be free draining. You pour/spray the water on the soil surface, and it runs right out of the bottom of the pot. If your soil is not this free draining, and you have wet slimy roots, you will need to perform an emergency repotting. Given your location Spring will be coming soon. If you have to emergency repot, clean the roots good with a gentle spray to remove the rotting area. The after you have repotted in free draining soil, you will need to protect this plant from freezes until the new roots that grow harden off. If it is deciduous and it has not pushed it's leaves yet, keep it in an unheated garage or basement, where it does not freeze, but where the humidity level are higher than your house. If it is evergreen, you can keep it outside, moving it into your garage as temps fall below freezing. Move both outside when your temps have stabilized. If it is tropical, and stays in your greenhouse, you can repot now. Search here for good free draing soil mixutres, there is tons of advice, and lots of pictures.
Speaking of pictures, do you have one of your problem area?

__________________
Emerging from winter slumber
Bonsai trees burst buds anew
Spring is upon us!


-Paul S.

Dag936

Thanks a lot ralph. I sprayed the roots pretty well and now I'm just hoping to see it push out some nice, healthy growth. If anyone else has any suggestions about what it could be, they would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks again.

-Billy

md4958

Billy,

if the health of the tree worsens bring it to New England Bonsai in Bellingham. Their contact info is available at www.nebonsai.com. They are very nice people and should help your tree regain its vigor.
Good Luck
Moe