Chojubai Leaves Yellowing?

[JoeR]

I have some chojubai that were just repotted recently with yellow leaves. They were healthy and grew well last year so I’m not sure what the problem is, could it be a fertilizer issue? They have tea bags filled with I think 4-4-4 NPK organic fertilizer from Lowe’s. Maybe I shouldn’t have fertilized right after repot.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

How's your soil acidity? They like acidic soil.

 

[mcpesq817]

Didn't realize that. Acidity like azaleas? Do folks add pot these in full or partial kanuma?

 

[JoeR]

How's your soil acidity? They like acidic soil.

BonsaiJack said it’s 6.7 but I added bark, which I don’t know the pH of, so I’m not sure. What can I add on top to make it more acidic?

 

[JoeR]

And can a too basic pH really cause that dramatic of leaf problems?

 

[twisted trees]

I have some chojubai that were just repotted recently with yellow leaves. They were healthy and grew well last year so I’m not sure what the problem is, could it be a fertilizer issue? They have tea bags filled with I think 4-4-4 NPK organic fertilizer from Lowe’s. Maybe I shouldn’t have fertilized right after repot.

Rule number 1: Never panic.
Rule number 1: Never fertitilize until you have vigourous growth.
Rule number 1: Water properly.
Rule number 1: They are last year's leaves...no big deal.

 

[quietobserver]

Chlorosis?

 

[JoeR]

Rule number 1: Never panic.
Rule number 1: Never fertitilize until you have vigourous growth.
Rule number 1: Water properly.
Rule number 1: They are last year's leaves...no big deal.

Those are not last years leaves. They are all new.

 

[JoeR]

Chlorosis?

Hmm. How would I know if that’s what it was?

 

[0soyoung]

Hmm. How would I know if that’s what it was?

Yellow leaves with green veins is the classic symptom of chlorosis.

The inverse is likely, but not necessarily, true

 

[twisted trees]

Those are not last years leaves. They are all new.

Rule number 1: Never panic.
Rule number 1: Wayer properly.

 

[bonhe]

Yellow leaves with green veins is the classic symptom of chlorosis.

The inverse is likely, but not necessarily, true

I agree! If this tree was mine, I would apply little iron.
You can scatter humic acid granule on the surface to help creating the acidity and absorbing the mineral including iron.
Bonhe

 

[JoeR]

I have Bonsai macronutrients from Julian Adams would that help? It’s not just iron so I’m not sure. Maybe all my trees would benefit from it.

 

[0soyoung]

Iron sulfate.

It is commonly sold under the brand name 'Ironite' at garden centers (unfortunately, this Co has also decided to sell lawn fertilizer under the same name , so check the ingredient list on the package). A few pinches sprinkled around on the substrate should do it for a typical size bonsai.

You can dissolve iron dietary supplement (for people) in water and spray the solution on the leaves for a quick test, but the real fix must be in the substrate/soil.

 

[quietobserver]

I have Bonsai macronutrients from Julian Adams would that help? It’s not just iron so I’m not sure. Maybe all my trees would benefit from it.

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Ironite-Plus...MIxueo2YCE2gIVxbXACh0XvQsaEAQYAyABEgJhxfD_BwE
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Ironite-Plus...MIxueo2YCE2gIVxbXACh0XvQsaEAQYAyABEgJhxfD_BwE

Product 0soyoung mentioned.

 

[0soyoung]

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Ironite-Plus...MIxueo2YCE2gIVxbXACh0XvQsaEAQYAyABEgJhxfD_BwE
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Ironite-Plus...MIxueo2YCE2gIVxbXACh0XvQsaEAQYAyABEgJhxfD_BwE

Product 0soyoung mentioned.

Nope.
That is the stuff to avoid
Look for this 1-0-1 'Ironite --> https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ironite-10-lb-1-0-1-Lawn-Fertilizer-100099050/100344551

 

[quietobserver]

Nope.
That is the stuff to avoid
Look for this 1-0-1 'Ironite --> https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ironite-10-lb-1-0-1-Lawn-Fertilizer-100099050/100344551

Interesting to hear. I’ve had good experiences twice with it.

 

[0soyoung]

Interesting to hear. I’ve had good experiences twice with it.

I'm glad to hear that.

I frequently encounter people that have gotten into trouble with it because of the extra fertilizer salts. A little seems to be working, so they throw on more and then they have a fertilizer burn problem. I prefer 1-0-1 because I don't have to modify my usual fertilizing regimen.

 

[milehigh_7]

BonsaiJack said it’s 6.7 but I added bark, which I don’t know the pH of, so I’m not sure. What can I add on top to make it more acidic?

Elemental sulfur is the shizzz. It works slow and acidifies the soil by using hydrogen from the water. About a teaspoon every 3 or 4 months.

What you use should look like this:

and come in a bag that says something like this:

 

[milehigh_7]

I say it over and over again but depending on the pH, all the nutrients may not be available to your trees hence the chlorosis. Liquidambar for one is very sensitive to this.

I always find this chart informative: