Edges of chinese elm turning brown/black

[Ryszil]

Evening,

Once again I turn to the ausbonsai community for help. The leaves of my chinese elm are turning brown/black in a lot of places (see below)

IMG_2317.jpg

It is as is from the nursery, I have watered daily and only just yesterday applied liquid dynamic lifter (approx 20ml in a 9lt watering can) poured over the whole tree as well as a couple of others. I lifted it out of the pot and found the soil to be quite damp, soggy is probably a better term. Have I over watered or overdone it with the dynamic lifter? I'm also concerned that several of the leaves appear to be sheared as can be seen in the picture.

I have begun searching on google and this forum but as any concerned parent I'd like to sort this quickly before it gets too bad.

Thanks as always

Russ

[robb63]

Hi Russ
If its soggy soil then daily watering is too much for the soil mix its in
The finger test is a good one before watering.
Poke finger an inch into surface to feel if damp. Back of the hand works well too
I find nursery soil mixes hold water much longer than free draining bonsai mix most of us use
Usually I will water nursery stock about every third day at this time of year when left in their soil mix.
If in a bonsai pot about every other day until changed or repotted into a free draining mix
Very important for trees to dry a bit between watering. Damp is good too dry and too wet both bad.
Hope that helps a bit