Is it normal to have primary leaves fall off?

[dweebz]

I’m growing a few trees. Some have sprouted, most are taking a while or just dead. But the ones that have sprouted (about a month ago) are starting to lose the primary leaves. Is that normal?
Also how do you know if you’re overwatering?

The two plants in the pictures are a Flame Tree and a Siberian Elm Tree.

I am in Minneapolis, MN

 

[Forsoothe!]

By "primary leaves", are you referring to the first pair of leaves that are unlike the characteristic, later leaves?

 

[dweebz]

By "primary leaves", are you referring to the first pair of leaves that are unlike the characteristic, later leaves?

Yes

 

[bonsaichile]

then it is normal

 

[Forsoothe!]

"Cotyledons are the first leaves to emerge from the soil when a plant germinates. Because they are part of the seed's embryo, they also are known as seed leaves, and provide nutrients to the seedling until its true leaves unfurl and begin the process of photosynthesis."

They are perisable. Everything is right on schedule. Patience, my friend. Go thee out unto the county side and look for saplings that grow as weeds that are easy for you to collect with a hand trowel and plant them in small containers. Learn how to keep them alive and shape them into your dreams. They're free, and hardy, and you can collect as many species as you learn to identify.

Click on your Icon in the upper right corner, enter you location, and people who have similar local conditions can advise you on everything.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Also how do you know if you’re overwatering?

The plant will tell you by wilting, or by showing various nutrient deficiencies (mixed signals) or fungal outbreaks. There's almost always a few stages prior to that, so just keep an eye out and compare them to your memory. If they start looking unhealthy, then it's time to start questioning your habits. If all is cool in the pool, keep going as you did.

 

[Shibui]

You are over watering if the soil is still damp when you water.
You are under watering if the soil is dry and the tips are wilted before you water. Note that wilted tips and damp soil probably indicates dead root tips already.

There is always some leeway between chronic over watering and just a but too much occasionally.