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Acers

alanp.curtinalanp.curtin Posts: 2
in Problem solving
I have an Acer shirasawanum (moonshine).
It is looking rather sorry for itself. Any ideas?
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Posts

  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    Has it been frosted @alanp.curtin
    Failing that some type of virus perhaps.
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's in far too big a pot for the size it is.
    Acers need potted on quite carefully - a small amount bigger at a time, otherwise the fine roots can end up sitting in permanently wet conditions which they hate.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ciaranmcgreneraciaranmcgrenera Posts: 313
    @Fairygirl I planted two last night. One is a Little Princess so that went in quite a small pot, the other is Acer shirasawanum (Jordan), very similar to this if not the same…

    It came in a 26cm pot and I put it into a 40cm one. There were roots showing in the sides of the compost when I took it out although I wouldn’t call it potbound by any stretch. I put it in 50/50 John Innes #3 and Ericaceous compost. D’you reckon I will be OK size wise? Pretty sure the fella at the garden centre said double the size of the pot but I thought that felt too big.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    dare I mention verticillium wilt ?
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/disease/verticillium-wilt

    Acers are very prone to it.
    Devon.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    A pot around 2 or 3 of inches [5 - 7.5cm] more in diameter is best. Double the size could definitely be a bridge too far. If the plant is looking quite well grown, it might be fine  @ciaranmcgrenera. Difficult without seeing it though. When in doubt, a smaller pot is safer   :)
    The mix sounds fine. Drainage is always important as well. 

    It depends on climate too though. In a slightly drier area, there's less risk of too much water and therefore those soggy conditions for little roots. In wet areas, it's a far bigger problem. It's why good drainage is important, and some grit mixed through can be useful if that's the case. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    edited May 2022
    forgive our manners @alanp.curtin
    Welcome to the Forum 
    Devon.
  • ciaranmcgreneraciaranmcgrenera Posts: 313
    Yes @alanp.curtin, apologies for jumping in! One of the things you’ll find in this forum, which I at least find of some comfort at times, is that you’re rarely the only one with a given problem!
  • ciaranmcgreneraciaranmcgrenera Posts: 313
    edited May 2022
    @Fairygirl here you go. The plant itself is about 3 ft tall. You can barely see it here but I’ve got little rubber pot feet underneath. I’ll prob replace with terracotta ones to lift it a bit higher when I get the chance to find them in the shed! It’s a shady little patio spot that I’m kinda casting around for something to do with.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That looks fine @ciaranmcgrenera - nicely in proportion   :)
    The only drawback with terracotta is that it can soak up moisture, so you just have to be vigilant. I often protect my terra pots with PVA - if you do it on the inside, it's easier because it can get a bit streaky on the outer. It helps a bit with waterproofing and frost protection. Too late for you of course! 
    The wee feet look fine too. 
    It's an ideal spot for Acers. Always nice to have a little group of potted plants to brighten an area up   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    alanp.curtin said:
    I have an Acer shirasawanum (moonshine).
    It is looking rather sorry for itself. Any ideas?
    I agree with @Fairygirl the pot is way too big and may be causing the roots to rot - hence the drooping leaves.
    I don't think it's verticillium wilt, but as said above the growing tips have been frosted or burned by chilly winds on the young foliage


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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