I got a Fukien tea tree about a month ago and everything was going great until I got snowed in an hour away from my house and was unable to water it for about five days. When I returned all the leaves where drooping and it looked terrible. I immediately soaked it in water and began misting the leaves. It seemed to perk back up for a few days but then all the leaves fell. Luckily a few green buds poked out the next day and it started to have small leaves growing all over again. That was about a month ago. But the new growth seemed to halt and one by one the little green leaves have begun falling off again. A few are starting to turn black and curl up. And ideas on the problem and any suggestions on how to save this little guy. It was a gift so I'll go to the ends of the earth to save it. The lower trunk is still green if I peal away a little bark. It done some reaserch and I'm at a loss. I'd appreciate any help.
Fukien tea tree crises
- Thread starter redbeard
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If you are willing to go to the "ends of the earth" to save your tree,
Then I would suggest packing your bags and moving to a warmer
climate...
edprocoat
Masterpiece
Red, it sounds dead. Fukien Teas are very problematic trees and just about anything can set them back or kill them. Even though there is green on the trunk its probably dead as it will take several weeks for the trunk to dry out. Give it a chance, do not fertilize until it comes back and if it don't come back remember not to get a tea again. Among all the tropicals Ficus do better inside. Sawgrass was just being honest, Teas are really an outdoor tropical (southern) tree. If you stick with this hobby this will not be the last tree you kill.
ed
ed
Thanks. I'll give it my best. Some leaves seem to be surviving and growing but only a hand full... And I understand my poor location for this type of tree. Had I been in controlled of the species gifted to me I would have chosen something more northern in nature. Your comment was much more helpful.
steve27
Mame
I too have two fukien trees and yes they are very problrmatic,but your tree doesn't look dead to me looks like its coming back.They are fussy plants. yourtree could use some more light.tdo you have a south or east facing window? If not try a grow light.Also check for any bugs. A tray filled with pebbles will increase humidity,but dont let the pot sit in the water try not to overwater it having few leafs doesn't need alot of water.when the warmer weather gets here it would be advised to put it outside if you can. it will do much better outside.
good luck and keep us posted!
good luck and keep us posted!
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
Sounds like it got exposed to 2 of its worst enemies...too much cold and drying. It attempted to recover but the damage must have been too much already.
No leaves, not much water. You can probably water once a week now until it get more leaves.
All you can do now is wait but start detaching yourself from it now. Sorry.
No leaves, not much water. You can probably water once a week now until it get more leaves.
All you can do now is wait but start detaching yourself from it now. Sorry.
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
Honest for the best "chance" at a come back(I believe it is possible) Up the moisture just a little and do not fertilize, repot, etc... I am pretty certain you just experienced moving shock which can take awhile to happen. Trick is not to overdo it and that is hard if you think it is dying.
Grimmy
Cadillactaste
Neagari Gal
It won't use as much water without full foliage. I wouldn't toss it out just yet. Continue doing as suggested for this particular tree. And see what happens when spring comes and it can go back outside where it will thrive. Many toss bonsai in the trash that are alive. I would rather water a dead tree...then toss a live one. (But that is me)
thumblessprimate1
Masterpiece
Consider buidling one of those indoor growing environments or a micro greenhouse. I placed a fukien tea like yours in a green house. Leaves started to sprout like crazy. Originally, thought the plant was dead.
