Pineus pinea needs urgent help

[ArielFoxx]

About 2 weeks ago I repotted our Christmas tree from last year. This is the second time I've done a repot but the first time I trimmed off some of the decaying roots. It WAS doing well with the repot. unfortunately a few days later we had heavy rain for 3 days and between the plastic pot and the Miracle Grow soil(i think it needs a different mixture for sure but I wasn't trying to change everything at once) the soil was SOAKED. It immediately started going brown which I know is a signal from oxygen loss. I've done the best I can to aerate the soil and I even took a trowel and really loosened up the soil to dry out.
The whole tree is now brown and becoming brittle.
I've brought it inside to avoid more rain that's coming but what else can I do to bring my baby back to life?
I was thinking maybe taking it to the tree place near us and asking for help but I'm a broke beotch so I'm coming to the internet first

 

[Wulfskaar]

Welcome!

I fear it's a goner. The soil is not good and the timing of the repot isn't great either.

I might leave it at this point, making sure it gets as much sun as possible outside. Not sure what the weather is like where you are, but you'll want to keep it from getting drenched a lot. I'd water only when needed (top couple inches are dry).

I've got mine in bonsai soil so the water flows through very easily and quickly. I think soil like that would be much better.

The good news is that these guys are super cheap around Christmas time and even cheaper right after.

Good luck!

 

[ArielFoxx]

I refuse to give up on it!
I've regularly seen pines come back from worse though I am considering it an ICU patient until further notice.
I can make sure it gets plenty of sun once the rain passes.
I know this is a bonsai forum but I'm not necessarily giving it the bonsai treatment as the ultimate goal for this tree is planting in the ground of our forever home. I'm just trying to help it survive as a potted plant untill then.

Weather is north Texas weather.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Those roots you took probably weren't decaying. Most trees can handle a couple days of being under water.
Best you can do next time is drill extra holes in the pot and make sure air gets in there. Loosening up the soil is dangerous because you can and probably will mess up the roots that are trying to heal. Pines in general hate a double root insult.

Also think about what a repot does and whether or not a tree needs it. Most conifers can stay in the same soil for a decade and keep growing.

The best thing you can do now is provide stability. And wait it out. But I think it's too late.

 

[Wulfskaar]

If you're interested, you can look at what I've gone through with mine here: https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/pinus-pinea-for-a-beginner.47215/

When you do end up repotting, which would probably be either spring 2024 or 2025, consider free-draining soil. Mine seems to like it and you will worry a lot less about overwatering, even in rainy weather.

 

[ArielFoxx]

The roots that I trimmed were definitely decayed as they basically just fell off when I ran my fingers through to untangle the roots (which were becoming root locked hence the repot

 

[bwaynef]

The best thing we can do for you is to set expectations. This tree is not likely to make it.

I think I'd suggest another repot into a shallower pot w/ a open bonsai soil. Immobilize the true thru whatever means necessary. Then, keep the tree outside. Its less than ideal, due to the season and the recent repot, but seems like we know where its headed if nothing's done.

Again, I wouldn't expect much, but I think better soil gives it its best shot.

 

[ArielFoxx]

If you're interested, you can look at what I've gone through with mine here: https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/pinus-pinea-for-a-beginner.47215/

When you do end up repotting, which would probably be either spring 2024 or 2025, consider free-draining soil. Mine seems to like it and you will worry a lot less about overwatering, even in rainy weather.

Your post is what lead me to this site! How cool.

 

[ArielFoxx]

The best thing we can do for you is to set expectations. This tree is not likely to make it.

I think I'd suggest another repot into a shallower pot w/ a open bonsai soil. Immobilize the true thru whatever means necessary. Then, keep the tree outside. Its less than ideal, due to the season and the recent repot, but seems like we know where its headed if nothing's done.

Again, I wouldn't expect much, but I think better soil gives it its best shot.

I'll take it to my local tree nursery to get the correct soil for this baby.
The reason I'm not giving up on it is because it's still got green inside. If I were to cut off one of the thicker branches you can see green in the wick. And to me as long as they're still Green in the wick the plant is alive and therefore capable of Rehabilitation

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

If it collapses within two weeks after repotting, which is rather fast even for pines, then be careful with your expectations.
When I kill conifers they take weeks or months.

Also, what's the temperature like over there? My pinus pinea - when I still had them - used to get a purplish brown winter color, which didn't look healthy but it was fine after winter.

 

[bwaynef]

Also, what's the temperature like over there? My pinus pinea - when I still had them - used to get a purplish brown winter color, which didn't look healthy but it was fine after winter.

That's a good point. Have you had cold temps recently?

Also, any place besides a bonsai nursery is probably going to suggest a soil mix that's much too dense/organic/slow-draining than what I'd think this tree needs.

 

[MaciekA]

IMO, this is a dead tree, and putting more effort / time / money into it is probably not the best path forward.

 

[ArielFoxx]

I live in north Texas which varies. We just had our first real drop in heat and fall rain last night and it's humid and in the 80s today.