Anyone Know Whats Wrong With My Maple?

[MBatcho1]

Anyone have any idea whats going on with my Maple Tree?

To give you a background, I bought this tree and it was roughly 5 feet tall.

I cut it in half but kept it in the same 5 gallon pot.

Not sure if I should repot or what I should do and now it has the crazy discoloration on some of the leaves.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again!

 

[jkd2572]

Are there spots on the bottom of the leaves? If so you have aphids. Most common problem of mine. By bottom I mean bottom side.

 

[Stan Kengai]

If it's not insects, as jkd suggested, most leaf problems that begin at the leaf margins are root related. I say this because the leaves on the far side in your pic look to be intact but brown on the tips, while the closer leaves appear to be insect chewed. Insects are usually easier to fix than root problems. Is that potting soil I spy in your picture? Did you add it atop the nursery soil? If so, that could be your problem, either roots staying too wet or top layer staying damp while roots are drying out. Either way, if you added soil, remove it. If you transplanted the tree into potting soil, you need to change to a more fast draining bonsai soil. In my climate, I can get away with repotting in the late summer, but ask someone in your area about possible fall repotting.

 

[MBatcho1]

Yes that is potting soil. Since I am new to this whole Bonsai thing, I had a friend that gave me close to 10 HUGE bags of miracle grow potting soil to use for my tree's.

Apparently this is a NO NO. I planted several other of my trees in MG Potting soil too, should I change it up?

I have another friend that actually practices Bonsai and he uses Haydite for his plants. He gave me some and I have used it for a couple plants and they seem to be working well. Can I use this?

Finally, since I think this poor tree needs TLC soon, would it be detrimental to repot now? I live in North East Ohio and the weather is going to a little mild over the next couple weeks.

Thanks again for all the help?

P.S. Can anyone point me in the direction of how to do cuttlings properly?

 

[Stan Kengai]

Apparently this is a NO NO. I planted several other of my trees in MG Potting soil too, should I change it up?

Yes, but see below.

I have another friend that actually practices Bonsai and he uses Haydite for his plants. He gave me some and I have used it for a couple plants and they seem to be working well. Can I use this?

Haydite (expanded shale) is a product that many people use, but it mostly depends on what's available locally or how much your willing to spend on shipping. Other similar products include (but are not limited to) calcined clay (Turface), akadama, expanded slate, diatomite, scoria (lava rock), and pumice. These products are used for their ability to adsorb (not mis-spelled) water, but they are typically not used by themselves. Most people will also use a "grit" material (coarse sand, chicken grit, scoria, etc.) to help create fine feeder roots. And some people will add organics (composted fir or pine bark, chopped sphagnum) to absorb additional moisture. There are plenty of discussions on here argueing the pros and cons of almost all of these products. My advice is to find a bonsai grower in your area with really healthy trees and try to emulate his/her soil and fertilizing routine, as soil components directly affect both watering and fertilizing requirements.

Finally, since I think this poor tree needs TLC soon, would it be detrimental to repot now? I live in North East Ohio and the weather is going to a little mild over the next couple weeks.

This tree does not look to be in danger of collapse. The parts of the leaves that are green are still photosynthesizing. My advice again is to find a knowledgable person in your area who can help you with fall repotting. In the mean time, try to let the soil dry out mostly between waterings, not absolutely dry, but slightly damp. Place a chopstick in the soil to 2/3 pot depth to use as a gauge. When the bottom of the chopstick is barely damp, it's time to water.

 

[MBatcho1]

Thanks so much. Fantastic advice and I'll put it to use soon. I'll post a pic later to see progress. Thanks again!