I was lucky to acquire a Choisya Ternata Aztec Pearl (Mexican Orange) from a neighbour who wants to convert his garden back to grass (go figure). It's about 4 feet high and 4 feet wide. I did my best to dig up the root ball, but the soil fell easily away and by the time I got it home, most of the roots were left exposed. I planted it in the best soil I have (local mixed with compost and seed starter) in a very large pot, until I can determine where to put it. I packed the soil tightly around the roots. Three days later I got some Gardenworks brand liquid transplanting fertilizer and added that to the soil. Now 5 days since I put it in a pot, the leaves are starting to droop. I learned after the fact about adding bone meal the the soil before planting. I'm wondering if I should uproot it and do that. It is such a lovely specimen, I'd hate to lose it.
Put it in the shade and water it a lot. Do not use any more transplanting fertilizer on this or any other plant, and definitely do not disturb it further to add bone meal! The Bottom Line • Bone meal supplies high levels of phosphorus and calcium, elements that are rarely limiting in non-agricultural soils. • Phosphorus, from bone meal or other sources, does not “stimulate” plant growth; it is only a mineral, not a plant growth regulator. • High levels of phosphorus, from bone meal or other sources, will inhibit growth of mycorrhizal fungi. • Without mycorrhizal partners, plants must put additional resources into root growth at the expense of other tissues and functions. • Before you add any supplementary nutrients to your landscape, have a complete soil test performed first http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda chalker-scott/Horticultural Myths_files/index.html
Thanks Ron B. I'll put it in the shade and will try not to worry. That web site is very informative especially "The Myth of Fragile Roots".
If there was too much root damage the whole top may shrink. But it would not be expected that the entire crown and roots have been lost, unless it got completely dried out - at some point new root and top growth should appear. Think of it as a big cutting, with some roots already attached: hence the shading and the liberal watering, you are trying to prevent it from becoming dehydrated before it replaces enough root tissue to regain its independence. On the other hand, field soil (dirt from the ground) is often too heavy for container use and may become waterlogged and airless when enclosed by a pot. That is why plants are often grown commercially in media that are entirely soil-less. You will have to pay close attention to the soil moisture situation inside the tub.
The soil I used is definitely lighter than field soil. I put the Chiosya in my shady 'ICU'. Thanks again.
