Gifted a Korean Maple - Help!

[bonsainewbie2023]

Hi all! Brand brand new to bonsai growing. I was gifted a Korean Maple, which is looking a bit rough. The leaves are getting crispy dry with brown coloring, but then I'm having trouble determining how moist the soil is because it seems rock hard. The research I've done so far suggests maybe it needs to be repotted, but then I've also read not to do that in summer. I've tried to create some shade for my tree on my bright, sunny patio, while also misting the leaves. Debating whether I try to give it a good 10 min soak in water versus risk repotting? To make things more complicated, I'm going to be out of town next week and I'm debating between the options of having my friend care for it every-other-day (max she can do) versus move it to her place where she would keep it indoors for a week. Any thoughts?

Appreciate any and all advice folks can offer! I will continue to read the various websites in the meantime. Will also try to add a picture when I can!

 

[pandacular]

Posting pictures would help. Ideally a variety of angles and focii, wide shots from several angles, close ups of foliage, etc. Also knowing where you are located it is critical. If you plan to stick around here (you'll learn a ton!) you should update your profile to include your location to make advice easier to give.

 

[rockm]

Hi all! Brand brand new to bonsai growing. I was gifted a Korean Maple, which is looking a bit rough. The leaves are getting crispy dry with brown coloring, but then I'm having trouble determining how moist the soil is because it seems rock hard. The research I've done so far suggests maybe it needs to be repotted, but then I've also read not to do that in summer. I've tried to create some shade for my tree on my bright, sunny patio, while also misting the leaves. Debating whether I try to give it a good 10 min soak in water versus risk repotting? To make things more complicated, I'm going to be out of town next week and I'm debating between the options of having my friend care for it every-other-day (max she can do) versus move it to her place where she would keep it indoors for a week. Any thoughts?

Appreciate any and all advice folks can offer! I will continue to read the various websites in the meantime. Will also try to add a picture when I can!

Location (country, state--at the very least) is critical to giving ANY advice on your maple. Climate and local growing conditions vary tremendously in the U.S. and around the world.

 

[bonsainewbie2023]

Thanks so much on the initial replies! I’m located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It looks like that is in the plant hardiness 4B zone. Working on getting some photos together!

 

[bonsainewbie2023]

Here are some photos. I feel the need to say in my defense it came this way! Most leaves are dry/crispy, but some still have some green and right at the bottom are some small ones with red coloring. Not sure what kind of soil it is. Tried the chopstick watering strategy and it seems like the chopstick comes out feeling damp/wet, so that’s why I’m a bit perplexed. Thanks again for advice!

 

[pandacular]

I would try a scratch test; on a branch, try to scratch back some of the top layer of cork bark. If you see green, you have a chance if not... well you have a pot to work with.

If it is alive, you should remove all the dead leaves. They're not doing anything for the tree but blocking sun and providing surface area to evaporate water. Can't say about rehydration, but that may be the issue.

 

[Srt8madness]

Looks like the leaves got burnt or dried out, but it is clearly budding out. No need to dig in the trunk there are live leaves and buds, the tree is pushing another flush of growth. If it came like this then it could have been for a variety of reasons you have no knowledge of, and very well may do totally fine in your care.

Don't repot it.*

You could try to saturate the rootball but not right before keeping it inside for a week.

*baring something drastic or advice of someone who has seen the tree in person and knows what they are talking about.

 

[Ininaatigoons]

Fingers crossed. Hopefully it comes back to life as that is a good looking structure. Soak it and keep in shade. If it is bonsai soil or any really good draining soil you'll be hard pressed to over water it.

 

[Blksmth88]

Good luck! Hopefully it's just some leaf burn.

 

[bonsainewbie2023]

Thanks everyone! I think I may be seeing signs of new life, so I’m staying hopeful!

 

[pandacular]

Did you remove all the crisped leaves? I imagine that would be useful in this case.

 

[Ininaatigoons]

Never pull dead leaves off in the fall or any time. You can cut the petiole but never pull them off. There is a risk of damaging the buds underneath. I've done it and that's a possible set back.

Good to see life coming coming back to it that is a beautiful tree