Chinese Elm

[mickaus]

Hey everyone

I am probably just being paranoid but I figure it cant hurt to get some advice.

I bought a Chinese Elm a little while ago and since I have had it some of the leaves have started to brown off and die.

I have been watering it once a day, is this to much? It is also kept on a covered north facing balcony with a large glass window right in front of it

Am I doing something obviously wrong, is this nothing to be worried about etc...?

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Thanks

[Ash Barns]

This might be due to the fact that this is an outdoor tree. There are some species that can be grown inside in controlled conditions but this tree should be out in the fresh air. Overhead watering until the water leaves the pot through the drainage holes would be an advantage.

[Bretts]

G,day
I think this is actually Japanese Elm

Over and under watering can be very hard to tell apart in an instant as the symptoms can be very similar. I would stop watering to a schedule and start checking the soil and only water when it is slightly dry. It is good to have a dig down into the soil with you finger at least once a day and if it is still moist it can go longer without a drink. Be careful though as it can dry out all of a sudden and be in trouble within hours on a hot day.
Also although your tree seems to be getting decent light they don't always do so well away from the natural elements. The leaves could be getting burnt through that window or any other number of issues from it's protected position could be causing this.

It also could be a little under fed by the look of the leaves. I would find a suitable semi shade spot for it outside and next time it needs watering I would give it a dose of seasol and continue this fortnightly.
In about a week I would start with a weak application (1/2 strength) of a chemical fert so the nutrients can get in and start working straight away and as the tree recovers Increase to a normal fertilising regime. It may end up losing all it's leaves but should recover well if you get the care right.
Good luck

[mickaus]

Thanks for the quick replies

It really isn't clear from the pics that I took before quite where it is positioned so I thought I would show off my paint skills

The Grey lines at a 45 degree angle represent a clear plastic "roof" and the green star is the plant. It is technically "outdoors" in the fresh air etc but are you guys saying that I should move it right out into the elements?

Also is there any particular chemical fertilizer you would recommend?

PS you may be right about the Japanese bit, I have a horrible memory.

Deck.jpg

[Bretts]

It does look like a great growing area but it may not have enough air circulation the tree could be getting burnt from the sun through the window or maybe it gets too hot in there?
Then agian the tree might be happy enough in there and it could just be a watering issue?. There are too many variables to give a definite answer. You can try just changing the Watering whith the tree where it is but I Knowing the areas in my yard this tree would like, I would put it where I know it likes it

[rowan]

You need to get it outside. If you can try a bench on the eastern side of the house where it only gets morning sun, or alternatively, anywhere it gets sunlight during the day but you can put a bit of shadecloth over it during hot days.

It depends on the soil but on cooler days you shouldn't have to water it at all. Just water it when the soil looks a bit dry, and water till the water starts running out the bottom. If your soil mix is hard to touch then you might have to soak the plant in a bucket of water for a few minutes till the bubbles stop to get moisture into the centre of the roots. Stick your finger in the dirt, as advised by an earlier post to feel whether the soil is moist or not.

A bit of seasol as mentioned every week or fornight will give it a boost and should make it start looking right.

[bodhidharma]

This is Zelkova Serrata. Japanese Elm. All the advice is good but it is not unusual for there to be a leaf colour change at this time of year. I would put it in dappled shade outside to see what happens

[Bretts]

Mine only get leaf burn this time of year None this year yet though

[mickaus]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I have started checking carefully before watering, moved it to a more outside position and I will give it some Seasol next time it gets a water.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good chemical fertilizer?

Anyway, time to cross my fingers

[Bretts]

This should do the job http://www.yates.com.au/products/fertil ... lant-food/

[mickaus]

Thanks for the advice. I will go and pick some up tomorrow and give it a half strength dose next week.