Browing leaves?
#ChineseElm I've been given all sorts of advice for my Chinese Elm, now im afraid mine is too far gone. Mine sits in my balcony, and gets morning east sun for 1 to 3 hours, I water it when the soil is dry. But it doesn't look like it's faring well at all. Help!?
6” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 year ago
3
@PiousOrrisroot is that what I see? Besides the grim color, I bought the plan in this pot. Perhaps I should repot woth fresh soil??
Hi Sam,
First and foremost are the leaves wilted and drooped? Or do they feel crispy?
The former would suggest your soil is too moist and possibly loose.
The latter might mean she hasn’t recieved enough water or the soil is too dense. (Dense soil will prevent it from using water properly)
If you’ve ruled out any pests, infections, or potting issues you might want to analyze what nutrients, water, and climate she has.
If it’s too dry outside the leaves may need a spritz here and then.
I recently got a Chinese Elm (6” pot diameter like yours) bonsai that I keep inside. There are roots showing but only 2 which are the biggest of the bunch.
She never gets direct sunlight but it hasn’t affected her in the slightest. Smaller trees like this don’t need intense sunlight even if it’s for a short period of time.
She’s thriving in a conventional tropical potting mix, more lava rocks, some sand, added perlite. A tropical potting mix already has the lower ph Chinese Elm desires.
A soil mix that’s too loose to too dense will drown or dry out her roots.
The soil should be moist but nowhere near wet.
It’s best to keep moist, let dry out and then water when necessary.
There is hope for her I do say so. If you fear transplant / pruning shock perhaps adjust the lighting, watering, and nutrients first and give it a week.
If you don’t notice improvements then I’d first repot, emphasis on improving the soil with the same pot. Give her a moment to adjust then prune the older leaves that are dropping.
Pruning Tips:
-Use sharp, sterilized, scissors.
-Prune about 2–3 cm off the growing tips.
-Leave the first pair of new leaves.
-Prune off anything longer/damaged.
Patience is key with finding a solution, so don’t stress yourself or the Elm.
Best of luck, friend!
First and foremost are the leaves wilted and drooped? Or do they feel crispy?
The former would suggest your soil is too moist and possibly loose.
The latter might mean she hasn’t recieved enough water or the soil is too dense. (Dense soil will prevent it from using water properly)
If you’ve ruled out any pests, infections, or potting issues you might want to analyze what nutrients, water, and climate she has.
If it’s too dry outside the leaves may need a spritz here and then.
I recently got a Chinese Elm (6” pot diameter like yours) bonsai that I keep inside. There are roots showing but only 2 which are the biggest of the bunch.
She never gets direct sunlight but it hasn’t affected her in the slightest. Smaller trees like this don’t need intense sunlight even if it’s for a short period of time.
She’s thriving in a conventional tropical potting mix, more lava rocks, some sand, added perlite. A tropical potting mix already has the lower ph Chinese Elm desires.
A soil mix that’s too loose to too dense will drown or dry out her roots.
The soil should be moist but nowhere near wet.
It’s best to keep moist, let dry out and then water when necessary.
There is hope for her I do say so. If you fear transplant / pruning shock perhaps adjust the lighting, watering, and nutrients first and give it a week.
If you don’t notice improvements then I’d first repot, emphasis on improving the soil with the same pot. Give her a moment to adjust then prune the older leaves that are dropping.
Pruning Tips:
-Use sharp, sterilized, scissors.
-Prune about 2–3 cm off the growing tips.
-Leave the first pair of new leaves.
-Prune off anything longer/damaged.
Patience is key with finding a solution, so don’t stress yourself or the Elm.
Best of luck, friend!