I’ve only been working on bonsai for 2 years now, so I have a LOT to learn. I have a bald cypress that grew strongly this spring after struggling last year, when I acquired it. The growth hardened normally, but now all that new growth is yellowing. I water it daily, so it never dries out. However, mt well water has a high PH–7 to 8. Could that be part of the problem? Or is it lacking some nutrient? I fertilized it heavily this spring with a standard bonsai fertilizer, and it responded well. The yellowing started after the latest fertilization. I repotted it last spring (1/3 acadama, 1/3 sand, 1/3 organic material, sold by my local bonsai nursery). Because I’m a beginner, I can’t tell which variables might be causing the problem. I’d appreciate any suggestions.
Hi.
Since you potted it in 1/3 sand and 1/3 organic material my guess would be thar you are over watering it. Don’t have any experience with bald cypress but I know some peeps here in the forum has so let’s hope they respond.
Pictures would also help.
Cheers
Would love to hear what’s causing this too. I have a few BC seedlings myself. I always thought it wasn’t possible to over-water a Bald Cypress.
Ryan recommends pure akadama for BC I have followed his lead on that, I do not believe you can keep a BC “TO WET” they live in water. I do use Bio Gold for fertilizer and have never had yellowing, the trees are very vigorous. A picture may help, is it inner leaves yellowing? that may indicate not enough sun getting to interior.
Thank you all for your responses. I did read that bald cypresses cannot be over-watered, but when it began yellowing, I started having doubts. I will definitely be switching to pure akadama at next repot, assuming I can stop its decline in time. I’m posting a couple of photos to show the yellowing,
I could try chelated iron or raising the Ph of the soil. That’s about as far as my own thinking goes. Poor tree…
You do have them out in FULL SUN all day correct?
No Shade full direct sun all day for me on a southeast exposure, mine enjoy the burn
Thanks! I moved into full sun. I had it screened in the heat of the afternoon. It’s doing well now.