Jaboticaba

[Shamino]

Attached are two photos of a Jaboticaba I have. The first was taken outdoors a couple of years ago and the second a few moments ago. Obviously I've let it go...my fault. But now that it's on it's looking pretty shabby, I'm interested in reviving it if possible. Any suggestions, particularly on saving it, then styling???

 

[nuttiest]

I don't know jaboticaba but fresh soil and fertilize in two weeks if still alive is my last attempt at something not responding to other measures. Did you change area it usually goes inside in the winter, or are things same?

 

[Shamino]

I don't know jaboticaba but fresh soil and fertilize in two weeks if still alive is my last attempt at something not responding to other measures. Did you change area it usually goes inside in the winter, or are things same?

Same spot, no changes. It's condition is my fault...because I didn't know much about styling when I first got it, it grew wildly an was not attractive from a bonsai vantage point. Because of that, I was pretty nonchalant in its care. but between this website and others videos I've been watching, (especially seeing people make nice bonsai out of awful looking things) I'd like to try to revive it and restyle it. I think it'll live...I'm just not sure how to go about styling.

 

[nuttiest]

well it is pruning itself right now : )

 

[Shamino]

well it is pruning itself right now : )

 

[leatherback]

As soon as your frost is over, put it outside. First dappled shade, after that, move to full sun. These love water, so water well, and avoid heavy salt-loaden water, as they do not seem to like minerals in the water too much.

Mine protest a little over winter, and explode once they get to play outside.

Jabuticaba care?

I have a small Jabuticaba her in the cold north. Does anyone have experience keeping these in non-tropical zones? Any recommendations?

www.bonsainut.com

 

[leatherback]

fresh soil

What is wrong with the soil it is in?

 

[nuttiest]

What is wrong with the soil it is in?

prolly nuttin a good soil tillin' won't fix

 

[Shamino]

prolly nuttin a good soil tillin' won't fix

It was repotted a couple of years ago but the soil does seem a bit "spongy" on the top...and it has a ton of oxalis (which I constantly pull off) at the surface of the soil. I usually water it when the top of the soil gets dry.

 

[nuttiest]

It was repotted a couple of years ago but the soil does seem a bit "spongy" on the top...and it has a ton of oxalis (which I constantly pull off) at the surface of the soil. I usually water it when the top of the soil gets dry.

I like oxalis all summer as a soil nutrient and moisture indicator in deeper pots, but most would destroy.
Spongy soil doesn't sound good, may be a bunch of dead oxalis bulbs or roots.
Maybe someone here knows when Jaboticaba can be repotted.

 

[Shamino]

I like oxalis all summer as a soil nutrient and moisture indicator in deeper pots, but most would destroy.
Spongy soil doesn't sound good, may be a bunch of dead oxalis bulbs or roots.
Maybe someone here knows when Jaboticaba can be repotted.

I've repotted it before...in summer...with no harmful effects that I know of.

 

[nuttiest]

If you say what soil you use a whole bunch more people will give advice, lol

 

[nuttiest]

Not sure I would wait that long. When a plant has inconsistent watering, which you kind of already said, it has root die-off in places but some are still alive. The problem leaving it in the old soil is the dead roots get colonized by more fungi and bacteria, and give off chemicals 'root exudates' that are not great for the still living part of the roots. If this is the case get some wire or rocks because it may not stand up in soil on its own for a while after you pull the dead roots off.

 

[Shamino]

Interesting...so even though it won't go outside until in May sometime, (here in Maine) repotting now would be okay to do? I'd do it in my garage on a 40° or so day...would that temp be okay for it?

 

[nuttiest]

Well you know your garage temperature and what temps to wait for, I would be weak and bringing them inside to give spring!

 

[leatherback]

I doubt repotting is what is needed.
Please share how you care for it.

 

[Shamino]

I bring it outdoors when danger of frost is over and keep in full sun after a week of sun/shade. Throughout the summer, I water when needed and fertilize with Bonsai Pro about every second/third watering (Usually ever day or 2 days). I have not pruned in about two years because of lack of new growth. When I first got it, it would fruit (but not a lot) but it hasn't really fruited in about 5 years now. As autumn comes about, I watch the night temperatures and when they get near 40° F, I bring it in with my 2 Scheffleras (which thrive extremely well under the same conditions). From then until the following spring, it sits in a South-facing window with the Scheffleras, and an LED grow light that is set to be on 12 hrs. a day. I generally water about once every 4-5 days (THAT might be its problem) or when the soil feels dry. I fertilize with the Bonsai Pro about every two weeks. The temperature in that room is a pretty constant 70°. Then I repeat the process the following spring. It has been about 2 years since last repot.