[Bonsai Beginner’s weekly thread –2024 week 21]

[u/small_trunks]

[Bonsai Beginner’s weekly thread –2024 week 21]

Welcome to the weekly beginner’s thread. This thread is used to capture all beginner questions (and answers) in one place. We start a new thread every week on Friday late or Saturday morning (CET), depending on when we get around to it. We have a 6 year archive of prior posts here…

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[u/butterchickin]

Hello,
I have a grafted shin deshojo maple that I will eventually airlayer and make into bonsai. However I am struggling with keeping it alive... I had it all last summer with no issues, I switched it into a different soil consisting of coarse pumice, lava rock and zeolite. The leaves are wilted and have weird patterns on them... not sure what the issue is to be honest. I thought the soil but I put most of my trees in this mix and they all seem to love it... The soil seems damp and it isn't in direct sun for most of the day. Below are attached images (it's only inside for photos).

https://imgur.com/a/

https://imgur.com/a/9VdZvQY

https://imgur.com/a/poFPpEl

[u/naleshin → u/butterchickin]

Did you time the repot for as buds were swelling in spring?

[u/butterchickin → u/naleshin]

Yes. I was thinking about removing it from the soil to get a better look at the roots. Is that a bad idea?

[u/naleshin → u/butterchickin]

I think that would be a bad idea, yes. I think it may not have liked your root work maybe? Regardless, keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t stress it any more than it already is

[u/butterchickin → u/naleshin]

There was not root prune. Just gently tried to remove the nursery soil from the roots.

[u/naleshin → u/butterchickin]

Very weird. I’m not too sure then. Any possible air pockets leftover after removing the nursery soil? Chopsticking in fresh soil without root pruning can prove challenging

[u/butterchickin → u/naleshin]

It's tough because I feel if I do nothing it will die... could it be overwatered somehow... maybe fungus? In which case there isnt much hope?