Shishigashira shohin stopped leafing out

[Yamamomiji]

Got this lovely little Shishigashira 5 weeks ago from a trader in the Netherlands, originally imported from Japan.



As you see, the time I got it (above picture), it was already starting to leaf out, but since then stopped completely.

Now what remains (parts of the former leaves, buds) has discoloured and became dry and I really fear, that the tree was too stressed as I have never experienced anything like that after a purchase online.
I placed it the usual way in partial shade for the first 2 weeks, kept it moist, then moved to the other maples to a brighter spot. If something else is to blame, maybe my careful removal of the thin moss layer on top as it felt quite mushy and soaked.

I guess there is nothing more to do now but to wait and see if it recovers?
I most certainly will check the roots to see, if there are still healthy ones left.

When returning home, I will add the current picture of it, but thank you for your thoughts in the meantime.

 

[Yamamomiji]

And here the actual state

 

[Cadillactaste]

I'll add this. My wee Japanese maple came from the south. Begun leafing out there...stopped once it arrived here. To the point I questioned if I was going to lose it. It was behind all my maples. Then...it all of a sudden just moved quick...and was in leaf. Acclimating is huge...and can make a tree do weird things.

I wonder if its confused as to what is expected of it. As mine was.

 

[Yamamomiji]

@Cadillactaste
Thank you so much. I really hope the tree recovers in time and gets accustomed to the climate if that's what caused the stress (most certainly).

Recently we are experiencing the 1st heat wave of the year, so not that helpful.

That's why it stays in the shade for these days for sure.

I will report if something changes in the meantime.

 

[Cadillactaste]

@Cadillactaste
Thank you so much. I really hope the tree recovers in time and gets accustomed to the climate if that's what caused the stress (most certainly).

Recently we are experiencing the 1st heat wave of the year, so not that helpful.

That's why it stays in the shade for these days for sure.

I will report if something changes in the meantime.

I put this thread in my watch ... wishing you success with it. Try not to overly worry. Water accordingly...and keep me posted.

 

[roberthu]

Are you keeping it inside or out? How much sunlight does it get per day? How are you watering it meaning frequency and volume each watering?

 

[zita]

nice shisha ! bright future!

it is doing very well, good swelling for new buds.
Do not move it to a darker spot.

100% sure it will do well through the upcoming heat in Vienna, will bud out everywhere the next few days.

 

[Yamamomiji]

@roberthu
It is outside certainly, resting in a bright but shaded area. Now with the heat, watering is once or twice a day, on the soil moisture, until water drops from the pot (as with most of m trees).

 

[roberthu]

@roberthu
It is outside certainly, resting in a bright but shaded area. Now with the heat, watering is once or twice a day, on the soil moisture, until water drops from the pot (as with most of m trees).

I'd hold back on water since the tree doesn't have leaf mass yet. Root rot in this heat is devastating.

 

[Yamamomiji]

I am very busy right now but hope to take it out of the pot and inspect the roots on the weekend.
I really fear, that your guess of root rot, might be the case. Never had a case like this of such a fast decline.

 

[Yamamomiji]

Got home early today and had the chance to get the tree out of the pot.
Does not look too promising I fear ...




Slippotted it to something more spacious without disturbing the roots. Shortened the longer shoots, luckily still green underneath the bark.
Now sitting in shade to hope for the best.



Thank you for all the advice so far.

 

[roberthu]

Looks good. If you take top dress it, that will reduce water loss through soil surface evaporation which helps balance the moisture level in the soil for longer period of time.