How about no leaves, or very few? How does that fit into the gauge? Not trying to be sarcastic in any way, but quite seriously mine has only a handful of leaves left.
Fukien tree is losing all its leaves..any suggestions?
- Thread starter three4rd
- Start date
bonsaidave
Shohin
Let's get an updated picture of the tree and closeup of the soil. Brush a few millimeters off the top in one little spot to see what happening in that soil. Are the leaves wilty feeling or kind of stiff feeling?
Do you have an outside option for this tree or windows only?
Do you have an outside option for this tree or windows only?
Here are a few new ones. I did scratch away at the soil as you suggested (you can see on the right side where I did it since there are a few small roots sticking up out of the soil.) Below the surface of the soil looks pretty much the same as the top. I did not get a full overview picture - rather tried to concentrate moreso on a close up. What is missing from the top picture is that there are more lateral shoots (mostly without leaves) but also some evidence of possible new growth coming out at the edges. I know I've been told before that I should maybe cut off these lateral shoots that are in some cases 7-8" long (?)
As to having it outside, I've been doing that nearly all day every day. I do worry about the temps in the 90s here right now. Is that ok for it? Also, it seems to be drying out just about every day also. I just watered it after taking these pictures. Hopefully I'm not overwatering, but when I put my finger down in the pot it seems completely dry. What seems to be a bit new is that the pot seems to be holding water more than draining through the bottom as quickly as it used to. I have to wait longer for the water to soak in. Does this mean the whole thing is root bound? Also, am I doing the right thing by watering if that ground feels dry between 1/2 to 1" below the surface? I've read several websites that say to always keep the soil 'moderately moist' and others that say to let it get fairly dry between waterings. I'm starting to think that the watering needs of this tree are one of the most difficult things to manage, especially with the loss of leaves. I don't know how to 'read' it anymore. Back when it was doing really well, I simply misted the surface nearly every day, and then every few days gave a more thorough watering until there was evidence of some drainage from the bottom. Perhaps continue with that same pattern?
You can see evidence of new growth, but as I've mentioned previously alot of that has been there for months now. Perhaps I'm just too impatient for something to happen! As to the feel of the leaves, I'd say since it's been out in the heat more feel a bit limp then stiff. It has never stopped dropping leaves ever since early February. The 'new growth' definitely looks greener now that it's been outside, but I don't want to cook the thing either. That pot starts to feel pretty hot after 7-8 hours outside. We went from nearly a month of cool, rainy weather to a heat wave that is supposed to break by tomorrow. I'll continue to keep it outside most of the time if that is what is suggested. Thanks and hoping to see more life soon!
As to having it outside, I've been doing that nearly all day every day. I do worry about the temps in the 90s here right now. Is that ok for it? Also, it seems to be drying out just about every day also. I just watered it after taking these pictures. Hopefully I'm not overwatering, but when I put my finger down in the pot it seems completely dry. What seems to be a bit new is that the pot seems to be holding water more than draining through the bottom as quickly as it used to. I have to wait longer for the water to soak in. Does this mean the whole thing is root bound? Also, am I doing the right thing by watering if that ground feels dry between 1/2 to 1" below the surface? I've read several websites that say to always keep the soil 'moderately moist' and others that say to let it get fairly dry between waterings. I'm starting to think that the watering needs of this tree are one of the most difficult things to manage, especially with the loss of leaves. I don't know how to 'read' it anymore. Back when it was doing really well, I simply misted the surface nearly every day, and then every few days gave a more thorough watering until there was evidence of some drainage from the bottom. Perhaps continue with that same pattern?
You can see evidence of new growth, but as I've mentioned previously alot of that has been there for months now. Perhaps I'm just too impatient for something to happen! As to the feel of the leaves, I'd say since it's been out in the heat more feel a bit limp then stiff. It has never stopped dropping leaves ever since early February. The 'new growth' definitely looks greener now that it's been outside, but I don't want to cook the thing either. That pot starts to feel pretty hot after 7-8 hours outside. We went from nearly a month of cool, rainy weather to a heat wave that is supposed to break by tomorrow. I'll continue to keep it outside most of the time if that is what is suggested. Thanks and hoping to see more life soon!
Last edited:
I don't know what is in the soil. But for sure this is not a nutrients deficiency. Some species are simply finicky. First we have to find a place where they are happy, then soil... Some react bad if posn is changed, they can cope with putting outside in late spring and taking indoors in fall. Some of them can drop some or all leaves. Some don't stand shuffling, that's my point. Actually adding more fertilizer would worsen the things.
bonsaidave
Shohin
This is a tough one. Agreed no more fertilizer at all.
If the leaves are wilty after getting sun all day then it is getting too hot or not enough water. With so few leaves my guess is too hot. Maybe the middle of the root ball is dry and has become hydrophobic? Can you give it more morning sun and no afternoon sun? You can wrap the pot in a white dishrag or white tee-shirt to keep the pot from heating up as much. That will help with humidity too if you spray the cloth with some water in the morning.
I am tempted to say cut those super thin braches (with no leaves) back to the first 1-2 green new growth. I wouldn't cut past any actual leaves though. Cutting can sometimes kickstart new growth. Cut back one or two of the longest twig branches if they have no leaves.
I really want to see what that roots look like but with it being in this shape that might not be good. Water it normal and pick a spot towards the middle to dig down with a chopstick or something. Just about dime or nickel in diameter hole. See the soil is wet all the way through. If the soil is getting fully soaked all the way through that is good. If not then we have found at least part of the problem.
The tree is not in great shape but it's not time to give up just yet. Let us know @three4rd
If the leaves are wilty after getting sun all day then it is getting too hot or not enough water. With so few leaves my guess is too hot. Maybe the middle of the root ball is dry and has become hydrophobic? Can you give it more morning sun and no afternoon sun? You can wrap the pot in a white dishrag or white tee-shirt to keep the pot from heating up as much. That will help with humidity too if you spray the cloth with some water in the morning.
I am tempted to say cut those super thin braches (with no leaves) back to the first 1-2 green new growth. I wouldn't cut past any actual leaves though. Cutting can sometimes kickstart new growth. Cut back one or two of the longest twig branches if they have no leaves.
I really want to see what that roots look like but with it being in this shape that might not be good. Water it normal and pick a spot towards the middle to dig down with a chopstick or something. Just about dime or nickel in diameter hole. See the soil is wet all the way through. If the soil is getting fully soaked all the way through that is good. If not then we have found at least part of the problem.
The tree is not in great shape but it's not time to give up just yet. Let us know @three4rd
It definitely did not react well to being out in the sun - dropped most of what is left of the remaining leaves. To me, it looks like the soil dries out too fast. I hate to give it too much water, but on the other hand IF it is beginning to go into a growth spurt perhaps it needs more than usual? I will check on whether or not soil is getting wet all the way through as suggested. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for additional suggestions!
There is continued evidence of new growth emerging but it is sure taking a LONG time to do much. The difference from week to week is hardly noticeable. It's such a difference from last year when it grew by leaps and bounds during the summer months. I put it outside every day. I'm still wondering if now would be a good time to add more fertilizer to help encourage the growth?
amcoffeegirl
Masterpiece
These do take a while for buds to emerge- be patient.
If you cut those long spindly branches about half way it will look better.
Can't hurt it now.
Give it good light and careful watering.
I would aim for morning sun and shaded in the afternoon heat.
If you cut those long spindly branches about half way it will look better.
Can't hurt it now.
Give it good light and careful watering.
I would aim for morning sun and shaded in the afternoon heat.
Thanks for the advice! The tricky part of late seems to be the watering - I'm never quite sure when to just use my spray container and wet the surface pretty well or actually give it more until it drips through the bottom. I'll try morning sun - I've actually been having it out most of the day the past few weeks. I've also been doing a good deal of misting while it's outside - not sure if that's a good thing or bad. Since it's a tropical, I figured the extra humidity can't hurt (?) The buds do seem to be a bit larger today. Patience, as you said. Hesitant to cut off the long shoots since there a good number of buds on them.
