Help! Wilting leaves/ bug problem

[Emily345]

I'm planning to repot this immediately with some diacomtemous earth and soil. Still waiting on the earth. (It's Napa part # 8822).

There's little black bugs in the soil and on the tree (scarce, but there). I've tried spraying it with insecticide to no avail. I've pruned off 95% of the dead/dying foliage to preserve energy but it's still alive and growing new buds rapidly. However as the pics show they keep wilting. Is it a root rot issue? Thank you so much.

WIN_20150627_185152

• Emily345
• Jun 27, 2015

This is what it looked like when I first got it (ABOVE). Current pics below.

 

[Cypress187]

Maybe you shouldn't have cut of the unhealthy stuff.

 

[Emily345]

Maybe you shouldn't have cut of the unhealthy stuff.

may have been a bad idea I did it in a desperate attempt to save it. It was very impulsive. It seems to be growing back though, I hope once I get it in proper soil it might do better

 

[sorce]

diacomtemous earth and soil.

Skip the soil!

It'll stay too wet and rot!

Go straight 8822.
http://bonsainut.com/index.php?threads/root-talk.20606/

Sorce

 

[Emily345]

Skip the soil!

It'll stay too wet and rot!

Go straight 8822.
http://bonsainut.com/index.php?threads/root-talk.20606/

Sorce

are you sure that will be ok just on its own?

 

[sorce]

are you sure that will be ok just on its own?

Absolutely!

The particle size of DE 8822 is too small to do well with any wet additives.

I've found pine fines included dries too quick.

I put very minimal worm castings and biotone in this year, not terrible, but better alone, this is my last year experimenting.....straight 8822 for me forever!

And sifted! Gotta be sifted!
Wear a mask!

Sorce

 

[aml1014]

I agree with @sorce if your gonna use #8822 use it alone and sifted, at first its hard to realize that it's okay to use inorganic particles alone it took me awhile, but when you do, you learn any kind of potting soil is awful for Bonsai purposes. Here's a dwarf rose I have planted in an experimental clay aggregate I got ahold of and the rose is happier than ever. The only thing about Bonsai soil is you can not forget to fertilize.

 

[Emily345]

I agree with @sorce if your gonna use #8822 use it alone and sifted, at first its hard to realize that it's okay to use inorganic particles alone it took me awhile, but when you do, you learn any kind of potting soil is awful for Bonsai purposes. Here's a dwarf rose I have planted in an experimental clay aggregate I got ahold of and the rose is happier than ever. The only thing about Bonsai soil is you can not forget to fertilize.

thanks! Can i use a metal sifter from my kitchen or do i need special equipment?

 

[aml1014]

thanks! Can i use a metal sifter from my kitchen or do i need special equipment?

That's what I use, some will say to get special ones but I guess it depends on what your sifting if there's a a lot difference in particle size in what your sifting then it might be better but with #8822 you should be fine with a regular kitchen one.

 

[M. Frary]

I've used 8822 for a few years. I use it straight or with some turkey grit thrown in. I will be trying other substrates this coming year,just to see. But I've had excellent results using the diatomaceous earth. I only need to water once a day. I don't get bugs because it irritates them. I can reuse it over and over.
One thing I don't do is sift. I've never had a problem not.
The dust washes out the first few waterings.
This spring I'm ordering lava,pumice,calcined clay and a bag of akadama to try. But most trees will still be going into 8822. For price and reliability.

 

[sorce]

special equipment?

I bought a sifter and it's nice to have.

But anything that'll get the dust out is good. I used a kitchen strainer for 2 years!

Sorce

 

[sorce]

One thing I don't do is sift. I've never had a problem not.
The dust washes out the first few waterings.

I have been trying to figure out how that works for you......

I think the turkey grit helps..
A hose watering....(which I don't)
And bigger colander holes.

I know my drainless bottom baskets make it necessary for me to sift.

What is your take?

Sorce

 

[sorce]

For reference.

Straight 8822.....this may or may not have worn castings and biotone.

And drainless bottom basket.

As sarcastic as I can be.......
That is terrible root growth!

Sorce

 

[M. Frary]

It must be the copious amounts of water. I would say it was in conjunction with the colander but what about the ones in bonsai pots? The dust runs out of the bottom of them too.

 

[vaibatron]

When you repot make sure to wash the roots thoroughly! Privet won't skip a beat! And don't fuss with it for a while!