Japanese Red Maple Help

[jindog]

Hello Everyone!

I have had this tree since this spring and recently I have noticed that my leaves are starting to wither and turn different colors. First I thought that it was sunburn or windburn so, I moved the tree in a semi shaded spot away from any harsh wind but the situation is starting to get worse. I am not sure if I might have over fertilized the plant or ? I use Green Balance fertilizer and water it once each day or twice if we are above 90 degrees. This is my first Japanese Red Maple and they seem to be quite temperamental! Any insight is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[leatherback]

What water do you use. Can you show a better picture of the substrate?

Initial guestimate.. I would say, substrate has become saturated with limestone and the high PH is limiting the abaility to take up all sorts of trace elements.

 

[Tums]

How much fertilizer did you apply? Are you actually checking the moisture level every time you water to make sure you're not over or underwatering? The pH suggestion is good because you're in CA and probably have to rely mostly on tap water instead of rain.

 

[sorce]

Green Balance

Well that's backwards ain't it!?

Welcome to Crazy!

That's an odd off-coloring. Some kinda root issue I reckon, could be too much or little water or fertilizer.

Sorce

 

[jindog]

What water do you use. Can you show a better picture of the substrate?

I use just tap water. I will take a photo of the sub straight Monday or Tuesday (out of town).

The pH suggestion is good because you're in CA and probably have to rely mostly on tap water instead of rain.

Close...I am located in Chicago...I have not tested the pH but we use the same water source as the local Bonsai nursery (they are down the street). I will get it tested soon.

Are you actually checking the moisture level every time you water to make sure you're not over or underwatering?

Yes.

Well that's backwards ain't it!?

It is! I have been practicing the hobby for 1.5 years now and it has been a ride! Cool pots btw. Are you going to the Mid-America Bonsai show this month?

Thank you all for the responses. I really appreciate it!

 

[Forsoothe!]

I'm speculating a virus. If it were a fert poisoning then all the leaves should be affected by a similar amount of defect, IMHO. Mosaic virus affects lots of plants. Is the plant near a vegetable garden that has plants exhibiting similar leaves or fruit, Like cucumber, squash, et al?

 

[jindog]

I'm speculating a virus. If it were a fert poisoning then all the leaves should be affected by a similar amount of defect, IMHO. Mosaic virus affects lots of plants. Is the plant near a vegetable garden that has plants exhibiting similar leaves or fruit, Like cucumber, squash, et al?

Yes, its is near two tomato plants, a few pepper plants, and some chives. The maple is about 5-6ft. away from them. If it is the Mosaic virus how can I treat it? What is the ideal distance that the vegetables should be from the maple?

 

[Forsoothe!]

Mosaic virus is not treatable, it can remain in the soil for some time. Once you discover it you need to only plant plants that have a specific resistance to it. Leaves and/or fruit can look like this...

 

[jindog]

What water do you use. Can you show a better picture of the substrate?

Initial guestimate.. I would say, substrate has become saturated with limestone and the high PH is limiting the abaility to take up all sorts of trace elements.

Below is a photo of the substrate. Sorry for the delay! Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.