Help - Looks like its dying!

[Glenda]

My serrata is looking very sick. All of the leaves are curling up and have turned grey, and feel brittle. Did a scratch test and under the bark is still a healthy green. We have had a LOT of rain - ever since September. Could it be too much water? I have two integrifolias right next to the serrata and they are doing fine and dandy.

Glenda

[Damian Bee]

Could indeed be too wet, maybe a bad pot or fungal infection. It is worth lifting it and having a look at the roots, possibly washing the root ball of some of its soil, cutting off any dead or decaying roots and potting it into coarse sharp sand and soak it in Seasol for a couple of hours.
It is also well worth checking with someone like Tony Bebb or Craigw or anyone else with experience on Banksia for this as I have a knack for killing them, I let them dry out
I am on my 4th now but it is in the ground for good, safe from me.

[Glenda]

Thanks Damian. Will try that.

Glenda

[Grant Bowie]

Banksia can certainly suffer from root rot and what you describe is a common look for B serrata with problems.

You could treat with Fongarid along with the other advice given above.

If you haven't read my thread on Banksia here it is.

viewtopic.php?f=66&t=812&hilit=+Banksia+integrifolia

Good luck.

Grant

[kcpoole]

Sounds a lot like what I get on some of my trees a fungal infection and then they pass on.
For me it is just random but more prevalent on trees a few month after being repotted. they seem to do well for a monthor so then just turn the toes up and cark it. Lost a few last summer, but so far only 2 this year.

Definitley fungus in mine but cannot figure out why Treated them with Fongarid but by the time they show signs of distress it is too late

clean and trea yours and hope for the best

Ken

[cuwire]

Hi Glenda

Just for further info can you post a pic - is this an old purchase or recent or how big is it?

Just adds to Banksia info.

Thanks and good luck with the recovery.

David