SvetSad
Senior Member
Posts: 134
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2011 9:57 pm
Location: Indianapolis IN

Fukien Tea Tree OOPS!

A little while ago all my indoor trees were moved outside. They all seemed happy, athough my fukien tea had a couple of leaves turning yellow each day.... and then... I left for a week long vecation. My boyfriend stayed here, so he was the one watering all my plants. I'm not sure how often he watered, but it was definetly at least every other day, which I know may not have been enough considering the temps have been in 100's (F).
I have a few of my trees potted in same soil mix and the Fukien tea seems to be the only one REALLY effected. although one of my pre-bonsai trees (not in bonsai soil) is wilted.

Anyways, my poor tree is not doing too great!

[img]https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/SvetSad/Repotting%20Fukien%20Tea%20Tree/photobucket-3228-1341005400879.jpg[/img]

it's still alive there are a couple of green leavs still attached. I took off all the dry/yellow ones, that came off with a light touch.

[img]https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/SvetSad/Repotting%20Fukien%20Tea%20Tree/photobucket-8219-1341006728231.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/SvetSad/Repotting%20Fukien%20Tea%20Tree/photobucket-4723-1341006619150.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/SvetSad/Repotting%20Fukien%20Tea%20Tree/photobucket-4663-1341006592417.jpg[/img]

I decided to move it back inside, where we keep our thermostat at 78°F, and my light set up is for 16 hours of flourescent light. I know my tree grew in that set up all winter, so we'll see what happens.

Oh and it does not seem to have any pest issues, but I'll keep checking closely

kdodds
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1436
Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:07 pm
Location: Airmont, NY Zone 6/7

Sounds like exactly what you've said, 100ºF, not watered daily. I have to water everything twice daily when it gets that hot, usually.

The Ficus Guy
Full Member
Posts: 50
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 11:30 pm
Location: Gaineville, VA, USA

Be careful with these. I've found they're like Willow Leaf Ficus, in that they don't like to be moved around too much.

SvetSad
Senior Member
Posts: 134
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2011 9:57 pm
Location: Indianapolis IN

Well I guess I dodged a bullet on this one! Less than a week later it's showing signs of new growth, and it's no longer loosing leaves.

[img]https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/SvetSad/Repotting%20Fukien%20Tea%20Tree/photobucket-4353-1341450887408.jpg[/img]

I know it's too early to celebrate... my poor tree looks so naked :(.

My question now.... is do I resume fertilizing on normal schedule or should I let it come back a bit more? and if I do fertilize should I use weaker dose than normal?

kdodds
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1436
Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:07 pm
Location: Airmont, NY Zone 6/7

IMO, as long as it's growing, it needs nutrients.

SvetSad
Senior Member
Posts: 134
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2011 9:57 pm
Location: Indianapolis IN

Cool.

I guess I was just thinking loosing 95% of leaves is shock to the tree like re potting would be.

kdodds
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1436
Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:07 pm
Location: Airmont, NY Zone 6/7

It is, but if it is responding to the shock well and regrowing, that growth should be encouraged.

SvetSad
Senior Member
Posts: 134
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2011 9:57 pm
Location: Indianapolis IN

I can not believe how quickly my tree is coming back, this unintentional defoliation may have been a good thing! the leaves are coming back really small (although I know they sort of keep growing throughout the life of the leaf).
there is a new branch sprout growing, just one now, but it has not been much time yet!

[img]https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/SvetSad/Repotting%20Fukien%20Tea%20Tree/photobucket-632-1341950773263.jpg[/img]



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