Akadama Water Loss

[Attmos]

I recently bought some akadama/pumice/lava rock for my little pine tree in an effort to develop the root structure it needs to actually grow larger. The tap root has been cut, it's been gently covered with the mix, and it seems to be doing well so far. Started actually feeding it, but, this mix.....

Water just evaporates in the blink of an eye and either I'm going kill it or it's gonna kill me.

Any suggestions on trapping humidity in there for a while? It's pretty hot right now.

 

[Empty Mountain]

Did you "recently" repot your pine in this mix? What work was actually done? When you say "gently covered" I'm imagining you just poured some of the mix on top of the rootball.... Or did you chopstick the new substrate in?

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Akadama can look dry on top, and be soaked in the center.
Jam a stick in the soil as a probe, and go with that instead of looking at the top of the soil.

 

[Attmos]

Did you "recently" repot your pine in this mix? What work was actually done? When you say "gently covered" I'm imagining you just poured some of the mix on top of the rootball.... Or did you chopstick the new substrate in?

About a week ago. I tried to work it into the roots as I added it to the container, but no I did not chopstick it. I take it I should....

Guess I wanted to disturb the roots as little as possible.

 

[Attmos]

Akadama can look dry on top, and be soaked in the center.
Jam a stick in the soil as a probe, and go with that instead of looking at the top of the soil.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Are you guys in fall already? Because repotting pines at the hottest time of the year is not really a winning strategy.
Do the chopsticking still, because it will improve your trees survival chances.

 

[Attmos]

Are you guys in fall already? Because repotting pines at the hottest time of the year is not really a winning strategy.
Do the chopsticking still, because it will improve your trees survival chances.

You're right. No, it's damn hot still, I took the chance. Seems to be doing ok.

I got bored. I don't have enough trees going yet.

 

[Paradox]

You're right. No, it's damn hot still, I took the chance. Seems to be doing ok.

I got bored. I don't have enough trees going yet.

One week is too soon to determine if it will survive.
Spring as the buds swell will give you a much better chance at survival.
Hopefully it makes it but dont be surprised if it doesnt

New soil after repot typically tends to dry faster than soil that has been in the pot and colonized by roots, especially on the top.
Put a wooden chopstick or a piece of 1/4 inch dowel in the soil and leave it in the pot. Check it every day and water when it is almost dry

 

[Attmos]

One week is too soon to determine if it will survive.
Spring as the buds swell will give you a much better chance at survival.
Hopefully it makes it but dont be surprised if it doesnt

New soil after repot typically tends to dry faster than soil that has been in the pot and colonized by roots, especially on the top.
Put a wooden chopstick in the soil and leave it in the pot. Check it every day and water when it is almost dry

Thanks, good idea. I hope it survives but, if it doesn't, I won't be too upset. I'm about to pull ten 10 year old yews out of my condo patio (I think they're about ten years, probly more...

But this little guy has been through a lot already so I do hope it makes it through the winter.

 

[leatherback]

t's damn hot still, I took the chance

I got bored.

You do not get to dictate the rythm of the tree. This is an excellent approach to kill trees without a reason.
Learn restraint or find another hobby.

 

[leatherback]

I'm about to pull ten 10 year old yews out of my condo patio

WAIT!

 

[Attmos]

WAIT!

I'm not going to do it now... lol

I wasn't being literal. You'll find that I exaggerate, I speak in rhetoric, and hyperbole, A LOT, lol. If you'll notice my reaction score, it's not very popular here but hey.... I am who I am. This is not to say I'm dumb or that I couldn't be more precise with my language, I just haven't really had a need to do so. This site is different than others, people take you at your word and I'm gonna have to adjust.


It will be done during the winter. But any other suggestions would be great. So, please at least leave a response.. I'm beginning to feel unwanted here.

 

[JudyB]

Chopped sphagnum on the top of the soil goes a long way to keep the top of the soil moist and cool. And it does encourage rooting.

 

[Attmos]

Chopped sphagnum on the top of the soil goes a long way to keep the top of the soil moist and cool. And it does encourage rooting.

OK, cool. Thanks.

 

[Attmos]

Chopped sphagnum on the top of the soil goes a long way to keep the top of the soil moist and cool. And it does encourage rooting.

Actually, thank you for just answering the question...

 

[Attmos]

One week is too soon to determine if it will survive.
Spring as the buds swell will give you a much better chance at survival.
Hopefully it makes it but dont be surprised if it doesnt

New soil after repot typically tends to dry faster than soil that has been in the pot and colonized by roots, especially on the top.
Put a wooden chopstick or a piece of 1/4 inch dowel in the soil and leave it in the pot. Check it every day and water when it is almost dry

I want to also thank you too for just answering the question.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

I got bored. I don't have enough trees going yet.

Please get more trees!

Think about getting 3-4 of one species. This will speed up ones learning a species.

Whatever happens please do not buy 1 each of 10 different trees.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Attmos]

Please get more trees!

Think about getting 3-4 of one species. This will speed up ones learning a species.

Whatever happens please do not buy 1 each of 10 different trees.

Cheers
DSD sends

I've been looking through the local nurseries lately. I was going to try it from collected seedlings but I need to work on something further along. Multiple of the same tree sounds like a great idea, thanks.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Azaleas and any chinensis Juniper (Shimpaku, Kishu, Itoigawa, Fodu etc) are great starter trees that, if kept robust and healthy can keep one busy.

Mid size JBP and JWP s show up often in club salesz. If you are going to Expo or many of the bigger regional bonsai shows will have lots of trees available

Bill V has an annual sale of “seedlings” that can’t be missed. http://www.internationalbonsai.com/seedling list

Cheers
DSD sends