Daren, I've had the same problem. It also occurs in the landscaping
plantings around here. In landscape work, they just remove it and re-plant
since it only seems to happen 2-3% of the time and doesn't seem to spread.
This is NOT an acceptable answer when you're put all the work into bonsai.
I've lost two, one collected and one Schillings (and maybe one that I've put
down as caused by collection stress). I've asked around and no one seems to
have any idea as to why this happens (or even cares, "just re-plant"). I've
previously posted here that this plant has good possibilities for bonsai but
does have this quirk. I've tried to prune hard below the dieback but I've
not been successful to date.
My best guess (and it's just that, a guess. No one will check; "just
re-plant") is a root related fungus. I'm trying liquid copper as a
treatment, but haven't been doing it long enough to have any confidence in
the results. Your e-mail doesn't indicate a location, but I assume S.E.
U.S. You may have enough time to try a total re-pot with a root treatment.
Since you are the first one I've run across who is concerned about this
problem, keep me informed about your progress. Maybe we can lick this.
Jay Beckenbach - Melrose, FL - Zone 8b/9a -
-----Original Message-----
From: Daren Byrd ]
Maybe someone out there can help me with a curious problem I am having
with my Yaupon Holly. About a week ago all the leaves started turning
dark greenish brown. I checked all possible infestation and moisture
problems but everything seemed to be normal. As of today the leaves have
all become brittle and are falling off at the slightest touch. I trimmed
a small branch to make sure the wood is healthy and the underlying tissue
is a healthy green. The tree is rather large and established about 18"
tall with 2" thick trunk. Anyone have any ideas??
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