Palafr01's p. Densiflora globosa

[palafr01]

Here with a new tree and ready to document its progress.

Purchased it last month and did a light repot before the seasons close. While not the ideal time, I was worried about potential root rot since my area gets significant rain both in early fall and in late winter and I have lost trees during this time.

I also removed the central leader to begin tackling the whorl on the tree and to start opening it up. Everything has gone well but I have noticed that the needles have a very pale film on them reminiscent of powdery mildew on the tree. I have also seen some insects (see pic) that also concern me as well despite their low numbers. I did spray for bugs and fungus when I got the tree initially, but am not sure which I should treat first. I have read that some chemical treatment can effect pine needles, so I am a bit unsure what I am looking at.

 

[palafr01]

Continued.

For clarification I used copper fungicide for the fungal treatment and an insecticidal soap containing potassium salts for the bugs. Both were/are sprays. I do have neem oil that i could use to treat both potential problems. The reasoning for my initial sprays was due to the presence of yellowing 2/3 yr needles (not sure which) that had the bugs. There went many of these needles, but I decided to play it safe and treat for both.


Light repot = 0.5-1 inch combing of roots on sides and removal of 1-2 inches off the bottom

Long story short, What's your opinion of the fuzz on the needles? Is it powdery mildew, a residue left by those bugs, or a decoloration caused by my spraying?

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Cuticle wax.

 

[palafr01]

Update: The tree survived the winter but it has not had an especially good year. The photos below are about 10 days old now but they show what I believe to be a watering issue. Since I really didn't change much of the old soil I believe the soil hasn't been completely drying out in between waterings /rain. To combat this I have watered it less and it seems to have worked. I don't have the pics yet, but the candles seem to be extending at last. Given its weak response, I plan to keep it sheltered in an unheated garage for the upcoming winter to prevent future root issues. If all goes well I may consider a more thorough repot next year.

 

[palafr01]

As an aside, has anyone else encountered stalled growth like this? If so how long generally did it take for your tree(s) take to rebound?

For context: Most of my pines had started pushing growth back in April and finished leafing out by mid to late May so this tree about 2 full months behind.

 

[palafr01]

Update. Tree looks significantly better this year. Candles have extended normally as they should but the tree has not uniformly issued new growth across the tree. Some areas did not issue new buds or if they did they are weak/small. No repot this year as I felt the tree wasn't srring enough.

 

[palafr01]

Below are some pics of the tree. What do you guys suggest I do? My gut tells me to leave the tree alone this year to build strength, but there are definately areas I need to address sooner rather than later. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

(P.S. I own both Adams book as well as Bonsai todays book for referrance)

 

[palafr01]

Some more including the front. The last pic shows the graft.

 

[palafr01]

bump

 

[palafr01]

bump

second bump