AusBonsai

I am again seeking the wisdom of our community for an interesting little predicament which has come up...

Following its last defoliation and prune just after Christmas time, I've noticed that one side of my PJ fig is not really growing well. Of the three branches that are wired to grow, two leaves have been produced, and one has gone limp.

The other side of the tree is growing vigorously, and I've scanned for pests (none), and am watering it as required (more often with the current heat here in QLD, but not over the top).

Are there any guidelines I can follow for assisting the growth of the stunted side of this tree?

OK,

Cut off wire; treat soil with Fongarid for root rot and lightly tip prune the vigorous side.

Grant

Thank you Grant, I'm just about to head to the gardening store to pick up some Fogarid.

How much would you recommend tip-pruning the vigorous side, if there is on average 4 leaves on the end of each branch?

Ok, updates.

The fig is growing beautifully still on its prominent side (right hand side), and the one sacrifice branch at the base on the left is growing strongly too.

I have since done an emergency repot, as the soil seemed to be holding a lot of water, and so I've made sure the soil drains a lot more now. I have also treated the soil and foliage with Yates anti-rot too.

I removed the dead branches, and also a portion of the trunk itself, as part of a style I have planned.

Nonetheless, as I've never dealt with root rot before, I've attached a photo and am wondering if someone could tell me whether I should be concerned about the black dot in the centre of the cut section of trunk? There is also some discoloration just under it. I've sealed the wound with cut paste and am keeping the plant out of too much sunlight, but am just a little worried as I"m not very experienced with these kinds of problems. But am learning!

Thanks all

Emoska wrote:Thank you Grant, I'm just about to head to the gardening store to pick up some Fogarid.

How much would you recommend tip-pruning the vigorous side, if there is on average 4 leaves on the end of each branch?

Sorry I missed this secondary question before. You could have cut back to just one or two leaves.

Good to see you diagnosed wet soil and gave a repot. The cut looks fine and once the new portion of the branch has strengthened you will be able to cut the stub back further.

Grant

Thanks for having a look Grant, that's a load off my mind that its not rotting further