Advice for my Brazilian Raintree

[JuniperSol]

So I am a recent owner of a Brazilian Raintree. I’ve been doing my best to take care of it (keeping it under a large grow light while it was indoors [moved it outside today in the shade to integrate it], watering when needed, fertilizing, etc.) but want to get some advice. I’ve attached photos to address certain issues and to emphasize that I am getting new growth.

1. I am having some leaves fall out. Is this normal? I’ve only had the tree for about a month.

2. I have two large branches that are way too close together and the leaves collide into each other. When can I remove that pesky lower branch?

3. One of the branches is a bit deformed. It looks like more growth is coming from under the branch rather than the top. Thoughts?

4. I have had a bad aphid infestation which I have been dealing with using insecticidal soap (with success). But it had left a lot of new leaves deformed and covered in some strange stringy substance. Advice?

5. Outside of new growth, is it possible to defoliate? If not, that’s fine. But if someone could let me know when I could prune, that would be helpful for the future. I do not plan to repot this year.

 

[HorseloverFat]

I LOVE trees/foliage like this lately... my Parkinsonias and Texas Ebonies are fast becoming my favorite to “observe”

I don’t have any BRT’s, though...

But if I DID.... I’d summon @LanceMac10 for some info.

 

[JuniperSol]

I LOVE trees/foliage like this lately... my Parkinsonias and Texas Ebonies are fast becoming my favorite to “observe”

I don’t have any BRT’s, though...

But if I DID.... I’d summon @LanceMac10 for some info.

I’ve been tempted by Texas Embonies lately. Might get one

 

[HorseloverFat]

I’ve been tempted by Texas Embonies lately. Might get one

I ORIGINALLY got a “young” one.. to fill out my meehan’s (HIGHLY recommended) shipping requirements.

I pruned a little off the top, put some interest in it.. and absolutely fell in love... can’t wait until repot (right after “high summer”)!

 

[Carol 83]

“high summer”)!

What is that in Wisconsin 65 degrees?

 

[HorseloverFat]

What is that in Wisconsin 65 degrees?

Like 85, honestly... but like 203 percent humidity.

(Certain Sun-optimal days in my “area” I’ll reach 97-100.... at like 30 percent humidity )

Wisconsin is weird.

 

[Carol 83]

Like 85, honestly... but like 203 percent humidity.

(Certain Sun-optimal days in my “area” I’ll reach 97-100.... at like 30 percent humidity )

Wisconsin is weird.

Oh we get the humidity here too, like take your breath away. Just reminds me, I gotta' move....

 

[JuniperSol]

Oh we get the humidity here too, like take your breath away. Just reminds me, I gotta' move....

This went from “help me with my BRT” to talking about weather

 

[Carol 83]

This went from “help me with my BRT” to talking about weather

I apologize. I have a couple, hoping to move outside soon. I have never defoliated mine, but some do. Have also never had any pests on mine.

 

[JuniperSol]

I apologize. I have a couple, hoping to move outside soon. I have never defoliated mine, but some do. Have also never had any pests on mine.

All good. Hopefully mine perks up a bit.

 

[LanceMac10]

meh.....told about enough...BRT's are not "rainforest trees", they're indigenous to coastal areas and grow in rocky, sandy shallows.


...aarrggh

 

[HorseloverFat]

This went from “help me with my BRT” to talking about weather

I do not SEE pests in your photos... but much of what you described SOUNDS pest-related.

You stated that you HAD an infestation and had been treating with insecticidal soap.. what was your schedule for that like?

Stringy substance? ..like webs? Or tiny-scaled cotton candy?

Compound leaved trees are varied in “blowing/discolored” leaves.. so THIS is somewhat normal. But.. deformed is NEVER good..

What kind of fertilizer/fertilizer routine?

You mentioned a grow light.. how many hours per day is it operating?

Is it operating in unison with a window? If so, what way does the window face?

How’s the humidity?

Did you repot recently?

 

[JuniperSol]

meh.....told about enough...BRT's are not "rainforest trees", they're indigenous to coastal areas and grow in rocky, sandy shallows.


...aarrggh

Yep, off the coast of Rio de Janiero

 

[JuniperSol]

I do not SEE pests in your photos... but much of what you described SOUNDS pest-related.

You stated that you HAD an infestation and had been treating with insecticidal soap.. what was your schedule for that like?

Stringy substance? ..like webs? Or tiny-scaled cotton candy?

Compound leaved trees are varied in “blowing/discolored” leaves.. so THIS is somewhat normal. But.. deformed is NEVER good..

What kind of fertilizer/fertilizer routine?

You mentioned a grow light.. how many hours per day is it operating?

Is it operating in unison with a window? If so, what way does the window face?

How’s the humidity?

Did you repot recently?

1) I used it every other day, mainly just aiming at the bugs themselves
2) It's in the photos
3) I bought it with deformed leaves
4) Miracle grow plant food, once every two weeks during the growing season
5) from around 8am to 7pm
6) It used to be in front of a south-facing window, but the leaves would not perk up
7) Averages 30-40 unless it rains
8) No

 

[LanceMac10]

If purchased from a greenhouse it safe to say that maybe some "mildew" is the black at areas. Nursury might not be vigilant.


edit....mom's and @WeeMac on vakay.....so, you know, My Tai....

 

[JuniperSol]

If purchased from a greenhouse it safe to say that maybe some "mildew" is the black at areas. Nursury might not be vigilant.

Yeah, they weren't in the best conditions. But it was only $75

 

[LanceMac10]

Number 4 in your original post tells me there is a serious infestation afoot and your treatment might not be efficacious as you think. Put this outdoors if you able.



......mmgmjfdshroiurfthgz;o/oijszjszjszjsz/fok'foip9yws9r

 

[JuniperSol]

Number 4 in your original post tells me there is a serious infestation afoot and your treatment might not be efficacious as you think. Put this outdoors if you able.



......mmgmjfdshroiurfthgz;o/oijszjszjszjsz/fok'foip9yws9r

It’s outdoors now

 

[LanceMac10]

It’s outdoors now

......mmgmjfdshroiurfthgz;o/oijszjszjszjsz/fok'foip9yws9r

 

[HorseloverFat]

......mmgmjfdshroiurfthgz;o/oijszjszjszjsz/fok'foip9yws9r

I’ve said these exact words...

Then officer Ebert was all “turn right”