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Post by Geranium on Jun 5, 2014 5:30:25 GMT
My friend Eva has a Japanese Umbrella Pine in her garden - but over the last few weeks, it's developing brown needles. She's very worried about it, and I'm hoping someone might know what's wrong and if there's anything she can do to help it survive? There are no signs of aphids or other nasties on it.   |
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Post by Rosefriend on Jun 5, 2014 15:19:37 GMT
I honestly haven't a clue Geranium unless it is something in the soil/accidently sprayed with something...hope someone else can help.. RF |
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Post by Tig on Jun 5, 2014 19:26:16 GMT
I had a quick google and found they are a bit temperamental to grow. How old is it Geranium? This is some advice, don't know if it's relevant "Umbrella pines hail from cloud forests in Japan, where rainfall and humidity are both high, so don’t expect Sciadopitys to cooperate with drought. Baby it in the first year or two after transplanting, in particular. If you want to grow one in the warmer end of its range (Zones 5 to 7 or 8), protection from the midday sun would be appreciated." I also read that they like slightly acidic soil so an ericaceous feed may help  |
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Post by Geranium on Jun 6, 2014 5:45:17 GMT
Thanks, Tig - I've got some ericaceous plant food, so I'll take that round to Eva ASAP. I think it's been in about two years. I don't think lack of water could be anything to do with it, not in this area  but I'll check on the aspect it's in about the sun. Maybe it'll need its own parasol!  |
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Post by Geranium on Jun 15, 2014 5:26:06 GMT
An update - after feeding it with my ericaceous plant food, Eva thinks it's looking slightly better.  I sent a sample off to the RHS and we're waiting to hear back from them. |
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Post by Tig on Jun 15, 2014 10:13:06 GMT
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Post by Geranium on Jun 16, 2014 5:20:14 GMT
Yes, it does, Tig, so thank you for your advice. |
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Post by Geranium on Jun 20, 2014 6:01:36 GMT
Well, I heard back from the RHS, and guess what - they can't tell what's wrong from the sample I sent them - they want some of the roots as well!  Really! No Way!!! We don't want to kill the tree, we just want to save it! Anyway, Tig's idea to feed it with ericaceous plant food is making a slow but sure difference. I wish I hadn't bothered asking the RHS experts when I can get helpful advice on here! Eva is well pleased, Tig, and asked me to thank you. |
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Post by Tig on Jun 20, 2014 9:24:31 GMT
I suppose the RHS were just trying to be helpful Geranium having been unable to diagnose the problem from the foliage bits. I'm just pleased to hear it is showing signs of improvement, nothing worse than having a plant you like that is not thriving - hopefully it will get some vigour back and put on new green growth! |
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Post by Geranium on Jun 21, 2014 4:31:19 GMT
Or even yellow, Tig. Seriously, I went to see it and it's looking much healthier. It's a lovely looking 'tree'. |
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but I'll check on the aspect it's in about the sun. Maybe it'll need its own parasol! 
I sent a sample off to the RHS and we're waiting to hear back from them.
Really! No Way!!! We don't want to kill the tree, we just want to save it! Anyway,