I have a potted Beni Schichinge(sic?). It's approximately two years old and otherwise in good health. Potted in a mixture of haydite, soft pine bark and granite chips. Quite suddenly(and I mean overnight) the terminal end(last two inches) of a leading limb has turned quite dark and has a "collapsed" appearance to it. "Collapsed" meaning that the diameter of the tapered limb has shrunken in diameter. As a result, this section is drooping downward. Oddly enough, the new growth at the end of this section still looks viable and healthy. The exposure for this tree is morning sun up until about noon-ish and shade for the rest of the day(it's sitting on my front step). I've been prudent about watering but being careful not to over-due it. The rest of the tree looks fine other than some minor leaf burn. Does this sound like the beginning of a fungus or some other disease? Could it be transplant shock as it was re-potted a week ago? Thanking you in advance... bkfisher
I would vote for transplanting shock since you just did this a week ago, plus with high temps we've had that could contribute. Do you plan on eventually planting it in the ground? FYI I have had one growing in Central Illinois since 1995 and it's about 7-8' now. Seems to handle our winters just fine. Kay Dye
I've not decided on whether to keep it in a container or put it in the ground. Laurie: I could certainly put it in full shade. If that is recommended. I have a jpeg at home showing the tip which is effected. I could attatch it later. bkfisher
I don't think full shade is the answer, but I would be sure that when you do water, do it well enough so all deep roots get enough, even if you leave more time between waterings (a good idea).
Actually, I thought that if the issue is transplant shock, it is recommended to move the plant to full shade, if possible, even to put a shade cloth or umbrella over the plant in the landscape if needed, to best allow the plant to adjust. Granted we are not sure yet if that is the problem, but it seems that any stress from transplanting such a young specimen would typically have appeared within 24 to 48 hours, right?
