----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Parr"
Subject: [IBC] Repotting Buttonwood


I recently picked up my first buttonwood at the MABA convention in
Cincinnati
earlier this month. This past weekend I repotted it into a large training
pot

The tips of the branches seem to almost wilting, not quite though, just
limp.
The leaves are still upright in respect to the stem, but the stem droops,
so
the overall appearance looks pretty haggard.

Is it normal for buttonwood to resent repotting and medium root pruning?
By
medium, I mean removal of maybe 1/3 to 3/8 of the root ball (there is
still a
good size root ball of fine feeder roots, a bit one sided, but still quite
reasonably sized).

Steve Parr - Cincinnati, Ohio -

Steve,
The last ( and MY last) buttonwood I also repotted about this time of year
in NE Ohio. Seemed a good time for tropical. Root ball pretty good. Same
source as yours.
It INSTANTLY wilted and dried up to be thrown out after a few weeks of
watching it turn completely brown.
Past buttonwoods took the dive at various other seasons for various other
reasons. My advice for buttonwoods outside of south Florida....pass on 'em.
Don't be seduced by the trunks ( or the "Dark Side") .
If it suvives your repotting the BIGGEST challenge ahead is getting it
through an Ohio winter inside, unless you are prepared to dedicate quite a
bit to keeping this one plant alive! LOTS of heat and humidity, and, if you
do, it will STILL NEVER look like it would in S, Florida.
They are like trying to over-winter a tomato plant!!
My advice for best tropical to grow in Ohio....The Willow-leaf Ficus. It is
the BEST for us. I have quite a few and they respond wonderful.
Regards,
Dale Cochoy

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