Azalea Bonsai help

[Taylonious]

I could use some help. This is my first Bonsai. It had some some discolored leaves and some spots. Not exactly sure, I have adjusted how much water and moved it so it just gets the morning sun and is then in some shade. I just did those things last week. I bought it with the soil and everything already in it, so I ordered some Kanuma just in case it’s being over-fertilized? I haven’t gotten any fungicide yet, I wanted to try one thing at a time to see if I could find the culprit. Any guidance and advice would be great!

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Not sure much is visible to diagnose yet. Looks like physical damage in the lower area…

Yet the media is very wet… so lighten up on the water. This may be the issue. Only water when the tree is near dry for now.

Don’t like the media at all, but can’t repot now either. In any event raise the media to cover the roots completely.

There is more of information we need at this point.

Please post your location and USD Plant Hardiness Zone by clicking your icon, then account details, then scroll down and enter the appropriate data.

What type of azalea? Should be on the label tha5 came with the tree.

Where obtained from and when?

When repotted it known?

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Taylonious]

It appears much wetter than it is, I had just gotten done spraying the soil before the picture, it was not dry but not moist beforehand.

My zone is 8a, I got it from “FromYouFlowers.com” on May 14th ish. Have not repotted, only clipped the wires that were wrapped through it to anchor it in the pot for shipping. I believe it is a Satsuki from what I have gathered so far.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Thank you for this information.

Wondering if there are any images of the flowers? Can’t tell about its heritage at all. There are literally tens of thousands of azaleas, satsuki, kurume etc etc.

This company is known for selling larger flowered obscure hybrids azalea. They look pretty and there is no reason it will not preform properly in our area with good technique and care.

Based upon this information perhaps it’s best to go ahead and do normal post flowering pruning at this point. See images on:

Satsuki azalea out of my depth

https://web.archive.org/web/20100609140223/http://satsukimania.net/index.php/tips/pruning.html

www.bonsainut.com

Do not see a reason to do anything else at this point except fertilizing if that wasn’t done yet. Something like OSMOCOTE Plus 1/4 the normal level.

Keep us updated!

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Taylonious]

It never said if it was fertilized, but it appears to have been. Should I still buy osmocote on it? Should I not replace the soil it is in with Kanuma soil?

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Good question. It’s a matter of timing.

Wouldn't’ advise it this time of year. This. process is usually done in late winter early spring.

It involves a complete root wash to clear the old media out before adding kanuma. This process usually damage the fine roots extensively reducing the trees ability to transpire.

Not something one would willingly expose a tree to in summer’s heat.

Given good care and wintering overall, the tree will strengthen all summer and if not exposed to frost will be ready to work early next year

But… s always, your tree, your choice

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Taylonious]

Ok awesome, I appreciate you taking the time to help me. I will try to update with the actions/ results! I’m going to take your advice! Would you advice to go ahead and prune it?

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Please see the post above.

 

[Taylonious]

Alright update: I pruned it and actually decided to go ahead and change the soil out. Did all of that probably about June 20th. This is what we are looking like right now!

Please see the post above.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Well alrighty now! Pretty late. But manageable. Looks like it’s budding well.

There is always an issue to be careful about with late azalea repots.

If the roots aren’t fully recovered (usually takes 4-8 weeks depending on the root damage/reduction) prior to times of maximum heat stress in July-early Sept, the azaleas get weakened and begin to fade away. It will look perfectly healthy up to then.

Usually once the second pair of new leaves on the stems hardened off the plant is out of the woods.

Just be aware, favor open shade vs direct sun.

Interested, just to add to my data banks…, Was all of the previous media flushed out? Also, which new media was chosen?

Looking forward to seeing your future posts.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Taylonious]

Well alrighty now! Pretty late. But manageable. Looks like it’s budding well.

There is always an issue to be careful about with late azalea repots.

If the roots aren’t fully recovered (usually takes 4-8 weeks depending on the root damage/reduction) prior to times of maximum heat stress in July-early Sept, the azaleas get weakened and begin to fade away. It will look perfectly healthy up to then.

Usually once the second pair of new leaves on the stems hardened off the plant is out of the woods.

Just be aware, favor open shade vs direct sun.

Interested, just to add to my data banks…, Was all of the previous media flushed out? Also, which new media was chosen?

Looking forward to seeing your future posts.

Cheers
DSD sends

Thanks, good to know, may need to pull it back a little further into the porch so it doesn’t get as much sun, but it mostly just gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

Yes, I took the plant and put it in a bowl of water poured all the soil out, collected the bark and slow release fertilizer that was already in the soil. Washed out as much, if not all the soil in the roots. I used Kanuma soil and then put the bark and fertilizer on the top layer

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Sounds great!

Let’s see the tree in August.

Ciders
DSD sends

 

[Taylonious]

Sounds great!

Let’s see the tree in August.

Ciders
DSD sends

Yeah, I will try to remember to do another update in a month!

 

[Taylonious]

Sounds great!

Let’s see the tree in August.

Ciders
DSD sends

Alright here we are one month later!

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Thanks for the update. Seems to be growing! … just a minor bit of an issue att, maybe nutrient and/or root.

Has the tree started on fertilizer yet. If so what kind, (Osmocote plus?) if other please include npk and strength compared to the instructions?

Also please tell how much sun the tree is getting now.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Taylonious]

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[Taylonious]

Thanks for the update. Seems to be growing! … just a minor bit of an issue att, maybe nutrient and/or root.

Has the tree started on fertilizer yet. If so what kind, (Osmocote plus?) if other please include npk and strength compared to the instructions?

Also please tell how much sun the tree is getting now.

Cheers
DSD sends

I haven’t added any fertilizer besides the slow release that was in the original soil before I repotted it. I moved it back a little bit last month. It gets morning sun, probably from about 6-11 AM and then open shade for the rest of the day. I use a moisture meter for watering (typically 1-2 times a day) and water until it is dripping out of the bottom, and try to mist it once or twice a day depending on the heat/humidity. It is still producing some new foliage, but based on the foliage color I assumed it has been stressed from something. Just not sure what, other than recovering from the prune and repot with is being so hot recently?

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Would ditch the moisture meter and begin learning by feel and look. Moisture meter ps can be unreliable and I’ve never seen a recommended moisture percentage for azaleas in kanuma.

Doesn’t matter much as azaleas in kanuma media usually can’t be overwatered if the pot has decent drainage. So when watering get a really good flow through the media. This will improve the O2/H2O/CO2 balance rather than compared to what is being done.

Based upon the information issue sure looks like a nutrient issue. By now the roots should be in good shape. Might start 1/3 to 1/4 strength if Micacid is used, full strength if use fish fertilizer. Can also use humic acid : cold pressed kelp at 5:1 with the other fertilizer. Use either both as liquids or both powered please do not try to mix.

But just in case, please check the drain and side wiring holes to ensure these are clear.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Taylonious]

Good to know! I typically use the moisture meter on my other ones, as I have been able to tell by just looking at the soil at this point for watering on this particular one.

I am fairly confident in the drainage holes, but I will still double check to make sure.

I’ll go get some Miracid tomorrow and try that out to see if it can help green up the foliage.

I appreciate the feedback! Been putting in a lot of time/research/effort to keep it as healthy as I can. This is the first bonsai that I have ever gotten so, really wanting to see it flourish!

I’ll keep you updated on its progress and how your advice has helped!!

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

You are most welcome! Most all of us remember what it felt like when we were a new hobbyist. Especially had a hard time getting information on best practices for azaleas.

Pease also ensure the media is moist….

Ensure the leaves and trunk are fertilized too.

Be sure when watering and fertilizing that the leaves dry before sundown to avoid fungal issues.

Best
DSD sends