Some of the leafs are yellowing what should I do? οΏΌ
1
Best Answer
That orange-yellow color on your little redwood sapling ("Athena") is a classic cry for help from a stressed root system. While a few different factors can trigger this, the physical setup shown in the photo points to one primary culprit.
1. The "Too Big Pot" Syndrome (Over-potting)
The biggest hurdle Athena is facing right now is the sheer size of her container compared to her size.
The Problem: When a tiny plant with a small root system is placed in a massive volume of soil, the soil holds onto far more water than those little roots can possibly drink.
The Consequence: The soil stays waterlogged and soggy deep down for days or even weeks. This suffocates the roots, cutting off their oxygen and leading to root rot.
The Paradox: When roots rot, they can no longer absorb water or nutrients. As a result, the top of the plant begins to dehydrate and turn yellow, orange, or brown, making it look like it's thirsty when it is actually drowning.
2. Intense Light Exposure on a Weak Root System
According to your tracker, she is getting direct sunlight. While mature coast redwoods thrive in full sun, tiny baby saplings are incredibly fragile. If her roots are already struggling to absorb water due to soggy soil, direct sunlight will quickly scorch the delicate new growth at the tips.
How to Save Athena
To give this sapling the best chance of survival, you'll want to act quickly before the damage spreads further:
Downsize the Pot immediately: Move her into a much smaller containerβsomething just an inch or two wider than her current root ball (likely a small 4-inch nursery pot). This ensures the soil can dry out at a healthy, manageable rate.
Check the Roots: When you gently pull her out, take a look at the roots. Healthy redwood roots are firm; if they are mushy, black, or smell sour, gently trim away the dead parts with sterilized scissors before repotting.
Use an Airy, Well-Draining Mix: Redwoods love moisture, but they absolutely require oxygen around their roots. Use a loose potting mix heavily amended with plenty of perlite or pumice to ensure excellent drainage.
Hold Back the Sun (For Now): While she recovers from the shock of overwatering and repotting, move her to a spot with bright, indirect light rather than direct, baking sun. Once you see fresh, vibrant green growth pushing out, you can slowly acclimate her back to a sunnier spot.
1. The "Too Big Pot" Syndrome (Over-potting)
The biggest hurdle Athena is facing right now is the sheer size of her container compared to her size.
The Problem: When a tiny plant with a small root system is placed in a massive volume of soil, the soil holds onto far more water than those little roots can possibly drink.
The Consequence: The soil stays waterlogged and soggy deep down for days or even weeks. This suffocates the roots, cutting off their oxygen and leading to root rot.
The Paradox: When roots rot, they can no longer absorb water or nutrients. As a result, the top of the plant begins to dehydrate and turn yellow, orange, or brown, making it look like it's thirsty when it is actually drowning.
2. Intense Light Exposure on a Weak Root System
According to your tracker, she is getting direct sunlight. While mature coast redwoods thrive in full sun, tiny baby saplings are incredibly fragile. If her roots are already struggling to absorb water due to soggy soil, direct sunlight will quickly scorch the delicate new growth at the tips.
How to Save Athena
To give this sapling the best chance of survival, you'll want to act quickly before the damage spreads further:
Downsize the Pot immediately: Move her into a much smaller containerβsomething just an inch or two wider than her current root ball (likely a small 4-inch nursery pot). This ensures the soil can dry out at a healthy, manageable rate.
Check the Roots: When you gently pull her out, take a look at the roots. Healthy redwood roots are firm; if they are mushy, black, or smell sour, gently trim away the dead parts with sterilized scissors before repotting.
Use an Airy, Well-Draining Mix: Redwoods love moisture, but they absolutely require oxygen around their roots. Use a loose potting mix heavily amended with plenty of perlite or pumice to ensure excellent drainage.
Hold Back the Sun (For Now): While she recovers from the shock of overwatering and repotting, move her to a spot with bright, indirect light rather than direct, baking sun. Once you see fresh, vibrant green growth pushing out, you can slowly acclimate her back to a sunnier spot.
