Pyracantha defoliating / declining, any suggestions?

[Takusan]

Hello,

I am new to Bonsai and this forum as well. I have a pyracantha which has been declining. I'm mostly noticing defoliation now, although previously the leaves were turning yellow first. I read that pyracantha is susceptible to overwatering which can result in yellow leaves with green veins, then defoliation...I have decreased watering, but leaves continue to become brittle or brown, and fall off. I didn't think I was seeing the symptoms of scab or fireblight as commonly mentioned, but I have attached some pictures. I'd really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

 

[Poink88]

Is it kept indoors? If yes, that is your problem.

 

[Takusan]

Hi Dario,

Thanks for the reply. It has been kept outdoors, I actually just brought it in today to take pictures to post. Not to mention, we have a hurricane coming! Does it look like anything specific / typical? Thanks again.

 

[TheSteve]

Looks like fall to me. Older leaves dying maybe?

 

[Poink88]

I can't really tell from the pics. Note that root damage once done takes a long time to correct. Whether it is not enough water or too much water...once the root died, you will have to wait until they grow back to see improvement.

Stressed, they are more prone to insect attacks as well.

Personally, I will remove all sick looking leaves (damages, yellowing, etc.) now and maybe even reduce/remove all the unwanted branches. This way, you channel all the remaining strength to the production of new & healthier leaves and not healing the sick and damaged. JMHO.

Just watch the water...then wait & see if it can come back. Good luck!

 

[Poink88]

...Not to mention, we have a hurricane coming!

Looks like fall to me. Older leaves dying maybe?

Could be. Update your profile so we will know where you are and in what zone.

 

[Takusan]

Thanks for the posts! I had initially thought that it's just the seasons changing, but I thought that Pyracantha is evergreen? I'm in New York, in Queens. I updated my profile, thanks for the tip. I've been removing leaves as they turn yellow, I'll continue to do that.

Thanks again for the advice, if there are specific shots that may help to diagnose a problem aside from my inexperience, please let me know!

 

[Poink88]

Even evergreens will shed leaves when exposed to colder temps. You might not have a problem after all...but I will leave that to the northern folks, I live south.

 

[Stan Kengai]

I agree with TheSteve in that it looks like normal senescence (older tissue dying off) to me. Root problems (over-watering, fungus, critters eating them, etc.) usually present with the leaves browning off along the leaf margins and/or noticeable wilting/curling. Your leaves still look turgid and there doesn't seem to be a pattern of browning off.

 

[jk_lewis]

What kind of Pyracantha is it? Those pics -- especially the closeup -- don't look like any Pyracantha leaves I've seen.

Otherwise, the tree looks healthy enough. Old leaves happen all year long, but show up more clearly in th fall when trees start to go dormant.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Looks like Pyracantha to me. But, if it's inside, as Dario stated, that is the problem. Pyracantha are tough, resilient, and temperate trees. They should be outside, with the exception of deep freezes and maybe hurricane-force wind.

In my zone 7B climate, mine stays outside all year long, with very little protection, and no issues, including temps spanning several days at 12 degrees.

Stay safe.
BVF

 

[0soyoung]

Looks like Pyracantha to me. ...
In my zone 7B climate, mine stays outside all year long, with very little protection, and no issues, including temps spanning several days at 12 degrees.

Stay safe

I used to grow pyracantha in a windy zone 5 - they are tough plants!

 

[gergwebber]

Thanks for the posts! I had initially thought that it's just the seasons changing, but I thought that Pyracantha is evergreen? I'm in New York, in Queens. I updated my profile, thanks for the tip. I've been removing leaves as they turn yellow, I'll continue to do that.

Thanks again for the advice, if there are specific shots that may help to diagnose a problem aside from my inexperience, please let me know!

"Evergreens shed a few leaves a day just for the exercise" Tomas Church