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josh1812@live.com
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Another Fukien Tea Post UPDATE
)Hi I have had this great Fukien Tea for about 6 days It was doing fine untill yesterday when I went outside to check on it and found the leaves yellow they weren't dry just yellow I don't think it's overwatering, can it be too much sun because I noticed only steaks of yellow appeard it wasn't an overall effect so I brought it indoors and its been doing better any ideas how to fix the sun yellowing? I live in Florida and it would have 90 degree days with direct sun for about 6 hours a day I think that was the problem.. Also does it do better indoors?
Last edited by josh1812@live.com on Wed Jul 07, 2010 3:43 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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japanpsyhic
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I have a Fukien Tea too. It is a very hardy tree, but doesn't like direct sunlight. They prefer bright shade, or indirect sunlight. It isn't dried out, they love tropical temperatures. I live in Connecticut, and it gets VERY humid. It floursihes under tropical temperatures.
It IS overwatering, I would suggest taking it to a south window, or maybe a Northwest window. I have mine in my room. It sits on my desk, right next to a window that is facing Northwest. It gets mid to late afternoon sunlight, direct. It puts up new growth nearly everyday.
So, put it somewhere where it doesn't get bright, Florida sun 6 hours a day. That would put it under stress. I also have to say, most people I know that live in Florida with Fukien Tea, get nervous, and overwater them.
So, yes, take it out of the Florida 6 hours a day sun, and put it in a window with afternoon BINGO sun. Mine hasn't put up 1 yellow leaf all the few months I've had it. I give mine like a 4th to a half cup of water every 3-5 days. Since it is warmer where you are, I would suggest a 4th cup every 3 days.
Another method you can use to see if you plant is too wet or too dry, take a toothpick. When you are getting nervous, stick it in the soil all the way. If it comes out clean, you may want to give it some water. If bits of damp soil cling to it, wait a day or so. Me, I just put my fingertips in. If it is cool, and damp to my first knuckle, I'm good. If it is hard, and crumbly, I need to give it a drink.
I really hope I helped!!!!
_____________________________________________________________
I don't need lumberjack friends, I got green-thumb friends.
It IS overwatering, I would suggest taking it to a south window, or maybe a Northwest window. I have mine in my room. It sits on my desk, right next to a window that is facing Northwest. It gets mid to late afternoon sunlight, direct. It puts up new growth nearly everyday.
So, put it somewhere where it doesn't get bright, Florida sun 6 hours a day. That would put it under stress. I also have to say, most people I know that live in Florida with Fukien Tea, get nervous, and overwater them.
So, yes, take it out of the Florida 6 hours a day sun, and put it in a window with afternoon BINGO sun. Mine hasn't put up 1 yellow leaf all the few months I've had it. I give mine like a 4th to a half cup of water every 3-5 days. Since it is warmer where you are, I would suggest a 4th cup every 3 days.
Another method you can use to see if you plant is too wet or too dry, take a toothpick. When you are getting nervous, stick it in the soil all the way. If it comes out clean, you may want to give it some water. If bits of damp soil cling to it, wait a day or so. Me, I just put my fingertips in. If it is cool, and damp to my first knuckle, I'm good. If it is hard, and crumbly, I need to give it a drink.
I really hope I helped!!!!
_____________________________________________________________
I don't need lumberjack friends, I got green-thumb friends.
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josh1812@live.com
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Hi Josh -
Yes, a SW window would give it nice lighting but you don't want the sun directly on it. Filtered through a window pane or even a screen would be better.
I have mine growing just beautifully under fluorescent lighting. It's very bright direct light but does not burn like the sun would, especially the tropical sun.
It's throwing new growth everywhere and I haven't had anything but deep green leaves, some flowers and berries. They love to be misted as well and I do that 4 or 5 times a day.
Another option would be to put it under a tree outside where it would get filtered light through the leaves.
They just don't seem to do well in direct sunlight. Wherever you put it keep a close eye on it and if you see the yellowing continuing move it to get a bit less light. Bright but not direct.
Yes, a SW window would give it nice lighting but you don't want the sun directly on it. Filtered through a window pane or even a screen would be better.
I have mine growing just beautifully under fluorescent lighting. It's very bright direct light but does not burn like the sun would, especially the tropical sun.
It's throwing new growth everywhere and I haven't had anything but deep green leaves, some flowers and berries. They love to be misted as well and I do that 4 or 5 times a day.
Another option would be to put it under a tree outside where it would get filtered light through the leaves.
They just don't seem to do well in direct sunlight. Wherever you put it keep a close eye on it and if you see the yellowing continuing move it to get a bit less light. Bright but not direct.
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josh1812@live.com
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josh1812@live.com
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sorry but... I have a few trees in my backyard and all mangoes I have it right now on a table which the sun hits directly the 6 hourd but the other end only 1 hour... What should I do? I want to grow it outside can I use a plastic clear box dirtied with a little layer of mud covering the side with the sun hitting and open facing east the sun would hit it around 5 until dusk.
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Gnome
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Josh,
https://www.greenhousemegastore.com/Black-Shade-Cloth/products/1166/
Norm
Try shade cloth instead, I'm sure it is available to you locally. Here is an example.What should I do? I want to grow it outside can I use a plastic clear box dirtied with a little layer of mud covering the side with the sun hitting and open facing east the sun would hit it around 5 until dusk.
https://www.greenhousemegastore.com/Black-Shade-Cloth/products/1166/
Norm
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josh1812@live.com
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japanpsyhic
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josh1812@live.com
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josh1812@live.com
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- Location: Florida
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josh1812@live.com
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Another problem it isn't getting the yellowed leaves since I changed the potting mix but I left it outside last night and the temp dipped into the low 60s I went to check on it and It's leaves were very pale green so I brought it indoors put it on top of a mild heating towel and under a desk lamp for about 2 hours it's doing alot better today but how can I get the foliage greener that the light green?
I would gather that your tree is very stressed from all the moving - given the moving is on top of it just having been repotted.
As long as it is not consistent, your tree should be fine down to almost 50F. So I would say it is all the moving, and not so much one cool night outside.
I keep my Fukien Tea inside, under a light, and it is very happy there. (Mostly because I'm in Michigan and it has barely gotten as high as 50F here these past few weeks. hehe)
If you are concerned about the weather, I would decide on one place for your tree to stay for the "cool" months coming up, and then consider leaving it outside for spring and summer.
As long as it is not consistent, your tree should be fine down to almost 50F. So I would say it is all the moving, and not so much one cool night outside.
I keep my Fukien Tea inside, under a light, and it is very happy there. (Mostly because I'm in Michigan and it has barely gotten as high as 50F here these past few weeks. hehe)
If you are concerned about the weather, I would decide on one place for your tree to stay for the "cool" months coming up, and then consider leaving it outside for spring and summer.
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josh1812@live.com
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And again I moved it this time for good the last time. I moved it to this area will it work? It receives direct morning light is quite cool and receives indirect afternoon sun.( The round pot with bark is only for heat insulation purposes.)
[img]https://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Nero1997/BonsaiSetup.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Nero1997/BonsaiSetup.jpg[/img]
I agree with Rosaelyn with regard to the moving. I would try to find the best spot for it and keep it there.
Also, I wanted to mention that you don't say where in Fla. you reside, but I lived in Hollywood for a while and the temps. during the winter got very chilly during 'cool snaps' on occasion so I would be careful if you get similar events in your area. And if you feel that you are due for cold weather you might consider buying one of those 'goose-neck' table lamps and putting a screw-in compact fluorescent bulb into it. A 28 - 30 watt CF screw in will throw the equivalent of 100w incandescent and will easily accommodate your tree.
In fact if I had only one or two trees that's how I'd keep them. A nice little stand with a CF bulb or two over them. Plenty of light.
Other than that the plant in question is really much more durable than you are giving it credit for....lol. Keep us posted on it's progress.
Also, I wanted to mention that you don't say where in Fla. you reside, but I lived in Hollywood for a while and the temps. during the winter got very chilly during 'cool snaps' on occasion so I would be careful if you get similar events in your area. And if you feel that you are due for cold weather you might consider buying one of those 'goose-neck' table lamps and putting a screw-in compact fluorescent bulb into it. A 28 - 30 watt CF screw in will throw the equivalent of 100w incandescent and will easily accommodate your tree.
In fact if I had only one or two trees that's how I'd keep them. A nice little stand with a CF bulb or two over them. Plenty of light.
Other than that the plant in question is really much more durable than you are giving it credit for....lol. Keep us posted on it's progress.
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josh1812@live.com
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Josh, Fukiens like the soil to be just slightly moist, not wet. When the surface of the soil starts to feel just a bit on the dry side water a little bit at a time and wait until you see water coming out the bottom. That's plenty so stop there.
Then you should not have to water for a couple of days at least, if and when the surface feels like it's starting to dry.
I like to mist 2 or three times a day because they seem to like the misting.
My trees are indoors and I only water every 4 - 6 days when it feels a bit dry.
Then you should not have to water for a couple of days at least, if and when the surface feels like it's starting to dry.
I like to mist 2 or three times a day because they seem to like the misting.
My trees are indoors and I only water every 4 - 6 days when it feels a bit dry.
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josh1812@live.com
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I think that that's a good idea. I wish we could actually see the tree in person and see how the soil feels but I would say leave it where it is and let see how it does.
It really sounds like you've over watered it. Also, remember that you've only had it for a week or a just a bit more and my 'Tea' also lost some leaves when it was adapting to my location.
Good luck.
BTW, I just bought two trees from Miami Tropicals and am eagerly awaiting their arrival. I will post pics. when they get here.
It really sounds like you've over watered it. Also, remember that you've only had it for a week or a just a bit more and my 'Tea' also lost some leaves when it was adapting to my location.
Good luck.
BTW, I just bought two trees from Miami Tropicals and am eagerly awaiting their arrival. I will post pics. when they get here.
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josh1812@live.com
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Here are some pics I live in miami
I clipped all the brown leaves and is left with about 10 leaves per branch should I go for total defoliation or leave it as is?
I also noticed the trunks base is very very black.
[img]https://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Nero1997/20091020_2.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Nero1997/20091020_3.jpg[/img]
I clipped all the brown leaves and is left with about 10 leaves per branch should I go for total defoliation or leave it as is?
I also noticed the trunks base is very very black.
[img]https://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Nero1997/20091020_2.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Nero1997/20091020_3.jpg[/img]
Last edited by josh1812@live.com on Tue Oct 20, 2009 5:01 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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josh1812@live.com
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maveriiick
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I have no experience with this type of tree but apparently they are difficult trees to maintain.
The following was from the website under GROUP IV - Challenging, Difficult to Grow:
Fukien Tea (Ehretia microphylla) F,I,L ^
slow-growing; give lots of light, but not direct sun; likes heat and humidity, but don't keep too wet; repot in early to mid-summer; prefers Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) water; needs very good air circulation, otherwise can be attractive to scale insects: fingernail scrape off what scale you can; soap insecticides are said to cause defoliation of these trees, so be careful; said to also shed leaves if overwatered or underwaterd; will die if exposed to slight frost or even a cold draft. [Boraginaceae; Lamiales]
https://www.phoenixbonsai.com/PPlants4.html#GroupIV
The following was from the website under GROUP IV - Challenging, Difficult to Grow:
Fukien Tea (Ehretia microphylla) F,I,L ^
slow-growing; give lots of light, but not direct sun; likes heat and humidity, but don't keep too wet; repot in early to mid-summer; prefers Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) water; needs very good air circulation, otherwise can be attractive to scale insects: fingernail scrape off what scale you can; soap insecticides are said to cause defoliation of these trees, so be careful; said to also shed leaves if overwatered or underwaterd; will die if exposed to slight frost or even a cold draft. [Boraginaceae; Lamiales]
https://www.phoenixbonsai.com/PPlants4.html#GroupIV
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josh1812@live.com
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I don't think defoliation is a good idea. I don't think your tree can handle anymore stress.
I think the best advice I can give is to leave it be.
Leave it where it is, don't remove anymore leaves, only water it when it is getting dry about an inch down into the soil.
Right now, I think your tree will do better with as little attention as possible.
I think the best advice I can give is to leave it be.
Leave it where it is, don't remove anymore leaves, only water it when it is getting dry about an inch down into the soil.
Right now, I think your tree will do better with as little attention as possible.
You know when I saw that tree sitting there outside I thought to myself, "I hope he doesn't have the problem with squirrels that I have. I hate them!!
They are responsible for so much damage and pain over my trees and my wife's plants as well.
I don't know if it was squirrels but whatever I totally know what you are going through now.
Josh, I snipped a longer piece off one of my Fukiens and just dipped it into rooting hormone, stuck it into the dirt and it's just started to grow.
I disagree totally with the idea that they are difficult to grow. You have invested so much time and emotion into this tree I hate the way things have turned out.
If it were my tree I would mix up some potting soil with some Turface or whatever you have handy to lighten up the soil and re-pot it, bring it into the house and set it near a sunny window temporarily.
I would go out asap and buy a shop light at Home Depot and put a 28 watt compact fluorescent bulb in it ( they are not expensive) and put it over the tree inside the house. Mist it 2 or 3 times a day and water lightly. If my cutting could sprout from nothing, your tree with some of it's root ball should be OK if you give it reasonable care.
I'm going to take some pictures of what I'm talking about and will get back shortly.
They are responsible for so much damage and pain over my trees and my wife's plants as well.
I don't know if it was squirrels but whatever I totally know what you are going through now.
Josh, I snipped a longer piece off one of my Fukiens and just dipped it into rooting hormone, stuck it into the dirt and it's just started to grow.
I disagree totally with the idea that they are difficult to grow. You have invested so much time and emotion into this tree I hate the way things have turned out.
If it were my tree I would mix up some potting soil with some Turface or whatever you have handy to lighten up the soil and re-pot it, bring it into the house and set it near a sunny window temporarily.
I would go out asap and buy a shop light at Home Depot and put a 28 watt compact fluorescent bulb in it ( they are not expensive) and put it over the tree inside the house. Mist it 2 or 3 times a day and water lightly. If my cutting could sprout from nothing, your tree with some of it's root ball should be OK if you give it reasonable care.
I'm going to take some pictures of what I'm talking about and will get back shortly.
Here are some pictures of the lamps (about $7 at HD) that I'm talking about and also one of the Fukiens with the little cutting that has rooted.
This proves to me that these trees are not difficult at all and with just conscientious treatment will grow fine.
[url=https://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/?action=view¤t=IMG_2625.jpg][img]https://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/th_IMG_2625.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/?action=view¤t=IMG_2626.jpg][img]https://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/th_IMG_2626.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/?action=view¤t=IMG_2627.jpg][img]https://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/th_IMG_2627.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/?action=view¤t=IMG_2628.jpg][img]https://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/th_IMG_2628.jpg[/img][/url][/img]
Please excuse the mess.....just wanted to show you these. I hope you will not give up.
This proves to me that these trees are not difficult at all and with just conscientious treatment will grow fine.
[url=https://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/?action=view¤t=IMG_2625.jpg][img]https://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/th_IMG_2625.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/?action=view¤t=IMG_2626.jpg][img]https://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/th_IMG_2626.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/?action=view¤t=IMG_2627.jpg][img]https://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/th_IMG_2627.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/?action=view¤t=IMG_2628.jpg][img]https://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/djlen/th_IMG_2628.jpg[/img][/url][/img]
Please excuse the mess.....just wanted to show you these. I hope you will not give up.
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josh1812@live.com
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Here in Florida we have a larger stronger faster foe IGUANAS they are the culprit anyways, thanks for the support Rosaelyn and djlen I am going to take it to the nursery I bought it from they offered to inspect, spray, and fix what they can. Ill keep you posted with progress. 
Oh and good luck on your new tree djlen
Oh and good luck on your new tree djlen
When you go to the nursery ask for Fred. Tell him you were talking with Len from NJ (I just bought two trees from him) and ask if someone can show you how to tell if you tree needs water. They will show you dry soil and soil that does not need watering.
This will help you determine whether to water or not.
Good Luck. They are very nice folks down there.
This will help you determine whether to water or not.
Good Luck. They are very nice folks down there.
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josh1812@live.com
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josh1812@live.com
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josh1812@live.com
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Good news and bad news
First thte bad news: I called today and they said it had gone through a lot of shock and would need a very long time to recover its original state if it eve survives
Good News: They will now let me pick one out my choice to recompensate!
What should I look for? How should I inspect and see which one is best?
First thte bad news: I called today and they said it had gone through a lot of shock and would need a very long time to recover its original state if it eve survives
Good News: They will now let me pick one out my choice to recompensate!
What should I look for? How should I inspect and see which one is best?
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japanpsyhic
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I myself would choose a Ficus. They can make gorgeous bonsai because they are sort of viney. They a tropical, and thrive beautifully in sunlight. They drink it right up. They also go a while without water. Not to mention, they do well with the branch to tree transplant/clone.
What you can do with them is cut off a 2-3" bit of branch. Then, you stick it in soil, and cover it with a clear jar. The jar makes it humid, a perfect environment for growing the beginning of a bonsai. I am doing this with my mom's non bonsai Ficus, and now have started my own from a branch clipping!
So, besides a Fukien, I would choose a Ficus. They tend to style them like this...
[url=https://img202.imageshack.us/I/ficusbonsai.jpg/][img]https://img202.imageshack.us/img202/2743/ficusbonsai.th.jpg[/img][/url]
What you can do with them is cut off a 2-3" bit of branch. Then, you stick it in soil, and cover it with a clear jar. The jar makes it humid, a perfect environment for growing the beginning of a bonsai. I am doing this with my mom's non bonsai Ficus, and now have started my own from a branch clipping!
So, besides a Fukien, I would choose a Ficus. They tend to style them like this...
[url=https://img202.imageshack.us/I/ficusbonsai.jpg/][img]https://img202.imageshack.us/img202/2743/ficusbonsai.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Josh - let them pick out a nice healthy one for you and before you leave with it make sure you understand how to see the signs that it either needs or doesn't need water.josh1812@live.com wrote:Good news and bad news
First thte bad news: I called today and they said it had gone through a lot of shock and would need a very long time to recover its original state if it eve survives
Good News: They will now let me pick one out my choice to recompensate!
What should I look for? How should I inspect and see which one is best?
Also, check out the set up they have their trees in and try to emulate that at your house in some way.
I personally would prefer to see you take it home and get a nice light for it and mist it as needed.
I'm having problems with what I believe is scale on my original Fukien tea.
The one I got from Miami Bonsai is clean and very healthy. I have to find a way to get rid of this scale cause the tree is going to fail if I don't.
I need to get it away from the other trees and find a safe spray for it, which will not be easy. They are very picky as to insecticides.
I had some scale on my ficus. After removing the two I could see (I removed the leaves they were attached to as well, though this may not have been necessary), I gave it good spray with a Neem oil mixture (mixed per the directions on the bottle). I have seen no sign of scale since and that was several weeks ago.
Thanks Rosaelyn -
I found a product right here in the house called "Garden Safe Fungicide" and it's 0.9% Neem Oil. I worried all night as to how I was going to find Neem Oil.....lol. But we had this stuff right here.
It's a "Fungicide; Insecticide; Miticide" all in one product made by Schultz.
What a relief!!! The plant went from looking clean and happy in a matter of a day or two, to an infestation of these little white, unmoving things and the leaves were coated with sticky 'honeydew'. I know that Fukiens can be very finicky about being sprayed so I'm hoping I don't kill it with this 'cure'.
I will let everyone know.
They are so susceptible to all this stuff that I hope this will do the job.
I also wanted to apologize to Josh for hi-jacking his thread.
I found a product right here in the house called "Garden Safe Fungicide" and it's 0.9% Neem Oil. I worried all night as to how I was going to find Neem Oil.....lol. But we had this stuff right here.
It's a "Fungicide; Insecticide; Miticide" all in one product made by Schultz.
What a relief!!! The plant went from looking clean and happy in a matter of a day or two, to an infestation of these little white, unmoving things and the leaves were coated with sticky 'honeydew'. I know that Fukiens can be very finicky about being sprayed so I'm hoping I don't kill it with this 'cure'.
I will let everyone know.
They are so susceptible to all this stuff that I hope this will do the job.
I also wanted to apologize to Josh for hi-jacking his thread.
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josh1812@live.com
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It seems there was a mistake when I went to go look for another bonsai found mine! It was beautiful an more pret
Last edited by josh1812@live.com on Wed Jul 07, 2010 3:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.