Japanese Styrax Limp Foliage

[jimlau]

Anyone know why the foliage is limp? It's in a good mix and is not dried out.

Thanks.

 

[RODERLO]

Could be overwatering instead.

Also, how much fertiliser have you used?

 

[jimlau]

Could be overwatering instead.

Also, how much fertiliser have you used?

I'm using the time-release Osmocote that I added early spring. Have not added more. The foliage was fine I think until a few weeks ago. I will try watering less.

 

[PaulH]

Looks pretty dried out to me....

 

[bwaynef]

My experience with Styrax has been that they're very thirsty trees. I'd tend to think this one was too dry. Is that a plastic pot? If so, I'd drill lots of holes in the bottom and/or along the bottom edge, then sit this one in water for an hour or so. When you remove it, prop it at an angle so that it dries fully and quickly

 

[Colorado]

Looks to me like it might have got too much sun. Some deciduous trees can only take so much direct sun. Especially once temps start getting hot.

 

[jimlau]

My experience with Styrax has been that they're very thirsty trees. I'd tend to think this one was too dry. Is that a plastic pot? If so, I'd drill lots of holes in the bottom and/or along the bottom edge, then sit this one in water for an hour or so. When you remove it, prop it at an angle so that it dries fully and quickly

Yes, it's a plastic pot with 2 large drainage holes.

After I water it, the foliage I think does not go back to normal, t least a few hours after. While check better later today.

 

[jimlau]

Actually just checked. The leaves are back to normal. It's still early, but so far it is in direct sunlight, which it is till around 4 PM. I have been wate3ring around 5PM. So perhaps it dries during the afternoon.

So it seems to be either not enough water, or too much sun.

 

[WNC Bonsai]

Actually just checked. The leaves are back to normal. It's still early, but so far it is in direct sunlight, which it is till around 4 PM. I have been wate3ring around 5PM. So perhaps it dries during the afternoon.

So it seems to be either not enough water, or too much sun.

They can take part sun so you might try moving it.

 

[Dav4]

They're understory trees, so morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Watering in the am is also better, imo.

 

[rockm]

That looks dried out to me. The soil surface looks dry. We've been having a bit of wind here in Va. accompanying an incoming pretty dry air mass. IF you have the same, this tree may be struggling to keep up with the relatively faster transpiration of moisture from its leaves in the dry wind and combined lean looking soil mix. I'd get it in the shade and water the hell out of it and let it sit in the shade for a couple of days. You're close to losing those leaves on the top.

Check the soil moisture in the morning and afternoon (more if you can do it).

 

[bwaynef]

Mine's in full sun for 6+ hours. It might do better with some shade, but right now that's what its going to deal with. I think yours would benefit from lots more water, and I'd start by soaking it for a bit. (The extra holes for drainage was to quell any fears this might be root-rot-related, but I feel even more strongly now that this tree simply needs more water. The extra drain holes wouldn't hurt ...if you're willing to keep it watered. MIGHT help if you end up having to soak it regularly.)

 

[jimlau]

Mine's in full sun for 6+ hours. It might do better with some shade, but right now that's what its going to deal with. I think yours would benefit from lots more water, and I'd start by soaking it for a bit. (The extra holes for drainage was to quell any fears this might be root-rot-related, but I feel even more strongly now that this tree simply needs more water. The extra drain holes wouldn't hurt ...if you're willing to keep it watered. MIGHT help if you end up having to soak it regularly.)

If not enough water, wouldn't the leaves start to dry and crinkle? Or is it more the branches aren't getting enough water to stay fully extended?

 

[bwaynef]

I think its the latter. Its a really easy experiment to conduct. Put it in a container of water for the rest of the day. If its perked up by the time you check it this evening, it hasn't been getting enough water.

 

[Ruddigger]

Too much sun, too little water. Not to start a soil war, but your “good mix” doesn’t look so good to me.

 

[rockm]

If not enough water, wouldn't the leaves start to dry and crinkle? Or is it more the branches aren't getting enough water to stay fully extended?

Underwatering can lead to a number of things. New stems can collapse leaves can die green on the ends...It's not enough water.

 

[R0b]

As others have said Styrax need a lot of water I have mine in 100% Akadama and a deeper pot. Treat more like an Azalea. Mine had the same issue before the deeper (larger) pot.

 

[jimlau]

My soil is made of equal parts bark, Turface, and stone, filtered.

Sounds like watering is the issue so I should be good to go.

Thanks all.

 

[PaulH]

I keep all of my styrax under 50 % shade cloth in the summer and never let them get as dry as your looks.

 

[rockm]

My soil is made of equal parts bark, Turface, and stone, filtered.

Sounds like watering is the issue so I should be good to go.

Thanks all.

What kind of stone? if it's limestone, it might be playing a role. Styrax likes more acidic rich soils.