Beni Chidori Japanese Maple - Advice please

[Ldyrfyh]

Hi everyone,

Advice needed for my Beni Chidoris (photos attached taken today).

1. Part of trunk turned black, and all growth above it looked dead, so I cut the top off 4 weeks ago. Is there a chance it will recover?
2. Another plant was underwatered for a couple of weeks during a particularly dry spell and no shade. The leaves are now discoloured and shriveled—is this likely to be drought stress?
3. Third plant seems fine except for some sun scorch. I initially repotted it when purchased because the pots seemed too big, but I hesitated to repot the others because I don't trust my own judgment, especially since I have so much to learn.

Any tips on how to care for them moving forward would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you

 

[SeanS]

Where in the world are you? Based on location from the equator you could be in the spring season or heading into autumn. Our advice or guidance could vary based on which season your little plants are in.

 

[Ldyrfyh]

In the UK, Zone 8a. Likely to have a couple more light frosts before the end of the month.

 

[SeanS]

It’s likely that your beni chidori got zapped by the frost. If there’s frost forecast try to protect it going forward

 

[clem]

Any tips on how to care for them moving forward would be greatly appreciated!

Usually, nowadays, we grow the trees in draining substrate; like akadama, pumice, pouzzolane etc.
I advise you to take a look at some free YT videos, on how to grow Bonsai ou pre-Bonsai (water, soils, fertilisation, exposition, pots etc)

 

[Shibui]

Brown bark and wilting shoots is most likely a fungal infection. In my experience it's from roots being too wet in cool weather. Make sure trees are in well drained mix and, if possible, on raised stands to allow for air flow and best drainage.
Removing the infected parts is a good move. Provide better conditions for the roots and cross fingers that the tree can block the infection and do the rest. Chances of full recovery are good.

Dehydration and over watering both have similar symptoms. If you are confident the roots dried out I feel confident the trees will shoot again.
Frost burn also produces similar symptoms but, again, most trees will have enough energy to develop new shoots and have a second try.

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