Mina: Slayer of Trees

[Mina]

I think I might hold some sort of record here, "Most Trees Killed in Five Months" as well as maybe "Quickest Tree Death" ?

I posted earlier that I have two new trees, and am trying to feel better about killing the Cotoneaster I got in October. I un-potted the dead Cotoneaster and "for fun" cut back the roots to see, and there was some life left in them. I cut it's branches back too, so it is basically a stump with a root ball. I'm going to keep watering it, who knows... maybe it'll grow some shoots? =/

Now... about my other trees... I got them from a nursery, and they were not labeled. I've been putting them out in the sun during the day, and bringing them in at night because it still gets freezing here overnight. I re-potted the smaller one and left the bigger one in it's original container. Based on the leaf shape, I THINK the big one is a Buddhist Pine/Podocarpus macrophyllus (just from googling a lot,) but still have no clue what the little one could be. It's leaves are all different shapes. I thought that putting them outside for real sun would be GOOD but the big tree's leaves are all yellow and brown now, and the little one's leaves turned BLACK with grey spots. Most of the black leaves fell off, and I cut back the rest. They were crunchy.

Here is indoors with the flash, outdoors, and close up of the leaves:

 

[Mina]

Here is the smaller tree, (or what's left of it,) and a close-up of the weird black leaves.

 

[Mina]

Basically I'm just curious if you guys can help me figure out what caused this. Is it too cold or windy or am I overwatering? Are they sick? Should I not have repotted the wee tree? I obviously have no idea what I'm doing, and I don't even know if they're able to be saved.

Should I just give up and collect some wild firs from the ground, since they're native and hardy and used to this weather that I myself am not even used to yet?

 

[Poink88]

Looks like ficus nerifolia/salicaria aka willow leaf ficus. Sure way to kill it is keep it below freezing.

 

[Mina]

Looks like ficus nerifolia/salicaria aka willow leaf ficus. Sure way to kill it is keep it below freezing.

Yeah, that helps haha, googling that... it looks a lot closer than the pine thing I found!!!
I did leave them outside on accident overnight once. Does that mean it's kaput?

 

[Poink88]

Yeah, that helps haha, googling that... it looks a lot closer than the pine thing I found!!!
I did leave them outside on accident overnight once. Does that mean it's kaput?

Depends on how low it went. Leave it alone for now and wait. If it is still alive, it will re-sprout. I planted 3 root cuttings from those and they all grow!

 

[Mina]

Awesome, thank you!!
Should I remove the dead leaves on it as well, then?
They're stealing nutrients, aren't they?
(And should I keep putting it outside in the daytime for sun?)

 

[Dav4]

Watch the watering, too. The soil needs to be kept slightly moist, but not sodden. They may only need watering once weekly right now since all the leaves are dead and the roots aren't really pulling water from the soil. Good luck...I think you're going to need it with those two.

 

[Poink88]

Awesome, thank you!!
Should I remove the dead leaves on it as well, then?
They're stealing nutrients, aren't they?
(And should I keep putting it outside in the daytime for sun?)

I usually remove dead leaves but they do not steal any nutrients...can house pests though so off they usually go.

No need to put it out w/o any leaves...you might forget to bring it in again and it go freezing. Put it out once there is no longer threat of freezing (preferably lows of 45*F or higher)

 

[JudyB]

Trees don't really like moving in an out and in and out too much if the temp swings are big. If you have non tropical trees, then they are getting too warm when you bring them in, denying them a dormant period that they need to survive. This may be part of your problems.

 

[Poink88]

Trees don't really like moving in an out and in and out too much if the temp swings are big. If you have non tropical trees, then they are getting too warm when you bring them in, denying them a dormant period that they need to survive. This may be part of your problems.

This applies to deciduous trees and evergreens.
Tropical trees do not really need dormant period (there is none in the tropics)

I do agree that moving in and out is not good...esp with willow leaf. They will drop their leaves but not like this.

 

[JudyB]

If you have non tropical trees, then they are getting too warm when you bring them in, denying them a dormant period that they need to survive.

Tropical trees do not really need dormant period (there is none in the tropics)

That is what I was saying. Non tropicals need dormancy.

 

[tmpgh]

First step is to be sure to read and understand the needs of the plants you possess. If these trees don't make it, be sure to research the horticulture of any new trees. Now that you've gotten some help with species of these trees, study about keeping them alive in case they survive.

Sadly, we've all killed trees. Make sure you do the book work up front to limit the losses in the future.

Good luck with these guys.

 

[Poink88]

That is what I was saying. Non tropicals need dormancy.

Sorry Judy...missed the "non" Got glazed over since the tree I was focused on is the willow leaf.

I agree with your statement then.

 

[CHUCHIN]

The appearance of the leaves indicate frost damage to me but not entirely certain...damage on top(foliage) tend to follow damage to the bottom(roots). Roots likely froze due to exposure to freezing weather. There will definitely be die back however hard to say whether or not the entire tree is dead. I have had this problem only to have dormant buds sprout from base of the stump. Continue to provide care do not water excessively only when semi dry... Plenty of lights... If keeping inside due to shifting temps invest in some grow lamps. Don't burn your house down man.

Chuchin

 

[Mina]

Thank you guys so much!! Ive got a special hydro something or other indoor plant gardening store by my house (insert Colorado joke here) so ill go check out their lights and stuff. . Reading bonsai4me on my kindle right now

 

[John Ruger]

Mina, if I were you I'd first and foremost stick with species that will thrive where you live; you have a number of really good options of choosing bonsai material that's right at home in Colorado.

We've all killed our share of trees, that's just part of the learning curve and an unfortunate fact we live with, so learn all you can as to why and know these things are inevitable.

 

[Mina]

Thank you! In general, is there a general feeling that starting from collecting roots and all vs a cutting is considered better or safer or easier to start out with? Things outside are starting to bud, so I'm starting to get antsy to go out and gather!

 

[Poink88]

Thank you! In general, is there a general feeling that starting from collecting roots and all vs a cutting is considered better or safer or easier to start out with? Things outside are starting to bud, so I'm starting to get antsy to go out and gather!

Research before you start collecting. There is a small window of opportunity and the worst time is just after the buds opened/leafed. The prime time (in general) is while the buds are forming. Better to collect before they wake up than shortly after.

Start with simple and smaller ones for now. If you see a nice tree...wait until next year, after you have more experience if possible. That way, your chances will be better and not waste a nice tree.

Good luck!

 

[Ryan820]

Where will you go collecting?

As a fellow Coloradoan, your natural selection of trees is more limited than I feel most people think. Colorado is full of sentinel trees and pioneer trees. Junipers are you best bet unless you know folks who are trying to remove unwanted hedges or trees not native but living fine in Colorado. It also depends where you live in the State, too.