Banksia seratta thanks for the good advice

[NBPCA]

Hi guys,
I usually hold off on any ferts until I see some movement. Yes I think the poly tunnel may be the answer. The tree is not looking like death just not so flash.
Craig

Is it time to start a very light liquid feed? Does the new growth look hungry?

As you know I put Osmocote in everything and fertilize lightly with a mild liquid fert right from the get go.

I also used to apply fertilizer in my nursery through the sprinklers so everything got fertilised from day 1 if it was the day to fertilize.

We don't know if the tree is sick or hungry yet.

Grant

[craigw60]

Thats what I thought about the poly tunnel to Grant gets very hot in there at this time. The very oldest leaves have died and dropped off but that doesn't really concern me. I will try a foliage feed ( hmm ) with seasol. May be hungry although the growyh on the integrifolia is really strong and they have all had the same treatment.
I have heard that seasol is not a fert so many times. I use it a great deal on in all my plant growing activities and have found with regular use I can sustain some pretty solid growth.
Craig

[Mojo Moyogi]

Craig, it could it be that January and February have been quite a bit cooler and wetter than is normally the case, especially up here in the mountains and I hazzard to guess in Olinda as well. We havent really had continual warm conditions that would stimulate budding in Banksias. I did a full branch removal on an integrifolia during a similar mild period in summer 2008 and it was a good 5-6 weeks before I saw a response, I was considering last rites for the tree and as soon as the weather warmed up for a series of days, there was an explosion of new growth.
Maybe the warmth and moisture control of the tunnel will provide what the tree needs to pop buds, do you have any way of venting the polytunnel to avoid overcooking? Warmth at night should make a difference too.

Cheers
Mojo Moyogi

[anttal63]

I was thinking along the line of mojo too. Any sign of cold and my serrata yellows too. New amd old growth. i think cut all the yellow off and get it in the sun i'm not sure about the poly, no experience with those. i would also get a hand full of Grow Better fert pellets on to it and as long as there is sun, water and more water. The other thing , has it had a good dunk in water since potting it up?

[craigw60]

Thanks guys,
I haven't given it a dunk I would be a bit concerned about getting it too wet. The thing with the poly tunnel is that its primary purpose is to propagate for the nursery which really should be a priority. I often have to remind myself that this is my source of income. I will certainly give it a feed. Yes Mojo the weather has been all over the place this summer and that could well be a contributing factor. I think a move into some morning sun could be in order.
With thanks from Craig

[Grant Bowie]

Good luck with it Craig.

Grant

[anttal63]

Thanks guys,
I haven't given it a dunk I would be a bit concerned about getting it too wet. The thing with the poly tunnel is that its primary purpose is to propagate for the nursery which really should be a priority. I often have to remind myself that this is my source of income. I will certainly give it a feed. Yes Mojo the weather has been all over the place this summer and that could well be a contributing factor. I think a move into some morning sun could be in order.
With thanks from Craig

I would definately dunk it in order to settle the repot and sort out any dry air pockets. If it is in the sun it wont stay wet. My serrata is happy to be wet! Any less is trouble over here! I am more and more convinced that the repotting of our natives is like Tropicals. They need consistantly warmer night Temps as well as days. That in Melb can be unpredictable let alone up there in the Hills.

[Grant Bowie]

We had a 4 degree night in Canberra in January which was quite amazing to me but apparently not all that odd.

It may have caused a leaf deformation in a Fig. I am eliminating other causes and that about the only thing I can put it down to.

Grant

[Jamie]

all the symptoms sounds like a nutrient deficiency to me, if one nutrient is missing or less than another it can cause yellowing leaves, al lot of the trace elements could cause this as well, im thinking this as everything else seems to be covered, i would give it a dose of complete trace elements, it cant hurt it thats for sure, seasol and Super thrive or superthrive like product, shaded spot until some new growth pushes and i think it will come back!
after all they are pretty tough arent they


jamie

[AnneK]

SEASOL: In the case of Banksias, you will find there are quite a few who will warn you of using Seasol extensively to revive a Banksia. Continued treatment with Seasol on an ailing specimen has appeared to contribute to the problem in several instances amongst friends. Just be aware, and use caution. Dave54 might want to join in with this advice.

AnneK

[Kunzea]

Hi Craig
I'd defer to Grant's extensive knowledge with these species, but offer the following comments.

If the old leaves are still reasonably green or unchanged compared to before the dig and only the new ones are a bit under the weather, this could be due to nutrient deficiency/imbalance. The new roots may be primarily going into the new soil, so it could be the new soil that the tree is trying to adjust to. Yellowing of new growth of banksias in my experience has often been because of iron deficiency. I've treated with chelated iron and the problem cleared up quickly on the existing new leaves, and was not evident with subsequent new ones either. It's something you could consider.
Kunzea

[craigw60]

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A few days ago I posted for some help with a recently dug field grown seratta and got a whole heap of great advice.I followed a few of the suggestions .
I gave it a feed (whoops) of seasol, I moved it to the poly tunnel and gave it a pinch of iron chelates. The results have been astounding. No more yellowing new growth and little buds appearing on the old wood. This is great news because I have a number of them that are ready to be planted out in autumn. Now I know they can be lifted and potted safely.
With thanks from Craig

[Elias]

That's great news Craig, I remember this Banksia its huge, I can understand your concern, its very nice material


Elias

[Steven]

That's excellent news Craig!

A big congratulations and thank you to all the members here who offered their advice based on experience. Like iron sharpening iron!

Regards,
Steven

[NBPCA]

Hi Craig,

That is absolutely fabulous news and is a good example of cooperation amongst experienced people who don't mind hanging it all out there to explore a problem and hopefully fix it.

One question.How long do you intend to leave it in the poly house?

Grant