In a message dated 1/11/2004 2:23:17 AM Eastern Standard Time, Josh writes:
I downloaded a care sheet that says to
water once a day (a bit less in the winter) and keep above 50 deg F (I
have the heat in my house in the low 60s) in the winter. Ive been
watering it probbaly twice a week. It also says to expect the tree to
lose some leaves and to make sure it gets some indirect sun. Does this
seem right? Anyone here have this species of tree? How does it look
and do you have any suggestions that I can use to make sure the tree
thrives as much as possible. It has been losing a substantial number of
leaves over the coruse of the last few weeks. Is this ok?
Josh:
A couple of suggestions:
1. Watering: insert a chopstick into the root pad, and remove it on a daily
basis to determine the water content in the soil. This is determine by
removing it and touching the below-soil-level portion of the stick. When the stick
is on the dry side, thoroughly rewater the tree.
2. Leaf Loss: Excessive leaf loss IS NOT OK. Fukien Tea has a tendency to
drop leaves when acclimating to a new environment. The light level,
temperature, and amount of watering all impact on the potential for leaf loss.
If you are losing a lot of leaves and these leaves are yellow, you are
OVERWATERING. To much water will result in root rot, and this can be difficult to
correct.
3. Lighting: If you are able to provide this tree with 6-8 hours of direct
sunlight, this should be sufficient to sustain its healthy growth. If not,
you will need to supplement its lighting needs with a grow light.
4. Humidity: The humidity level is important for this tree. I would
suggest that you acquire a suiban or shallow tray. Place stones on the tray, add
waters such that it is BENEATH the top of the stones, and place the potted tree
on the tray. The added humidity will be welcomed by the tree.
5. In the summer, get this tree to where it belongs: outside in warm
conditions. The water needs of the tree will significantly increase during the
summer, and you will need to monitor water consumption in the morning and in the
evening throughout the hottest part of the growing season.
Cordially,
Michael Persiano
http://members.aol.com/iasnob/index.html
************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Jarbas Godoy ++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++