I bought a gorgeous Korean maple about a month ago and re-potted it with soil the nursery recommended to me. I was not provided proper watering instructions and after a good soaking right after repotting it, it was probably a week or so until I soaked it again. Now the poor things leaves are almost completely crispy except for a few spots. It’s on a covered porch that faces east. Anyone have suggestions on what I can do to nurture it back to health? TIA!
The maple will be losing the leaves soon in any case, so the extra dessication will result in an acceleration of the natural autumn process. Not too much to worry about, I don't think it would have dried out enough in a week to cause any long term problems. You may see a few small twigs die off but that is to be expected in any case. It should leaf out in a healthy condition next spring. As for practical advice, here are a couple of suggestions for long term care: Watering schedule depends upon the soil mix and the local climate, but a reasonable starting point would be every three days during "normal" weather and every two days during hot summer weather. Monitor and adjust as necessary. During the winter, when the maple is leafless, only minimal irrigation is needed to stop the soil drying out. I don't think the bamboo cane is helping much at this point. After leaf fall carefully cut the green tape and remove the cane. Can't see the base of the pot in the photo, but do not be tempted to place it in a saucer or tray, these plants need good drainage. Happy growing!
Thank you so much! I had thought this species of maple (Northern Spotlight) did not lose leaves in the fall so that was why I was so concerned. I will keep an eye on it and follow your care advice. There is no tray underneath it and it looks like it's draining nicely. Thanks again!
Northern Spotlight is a new name for me - seems it does tend to retain old leaves over winter, not sure how much the premature drying will affect this trait, but either way should be fine next spring.
NORTHERN SPOTLIGHT ® 'Kordak' is a new Acer pseudosieboldianum from North Dakota State research university. It's meant to be extraordinarily hardy, to Zone 3. But for sure it's deciduous: it will lose its leaves in winter. Good luck, and get rid of the bamboo for sure! Cheers, -E
The way I read it from the blurb on Northern Spotlight ('Kordak') is that the leaves dry up and die but tend not to be ejected, clinging to the tree over winter. Some oaks do it in the UK. I think there is a name for it, (checks internet), yes - marcescence.
Yes - some will fall off over the winter, especially if it is windy. The rest will be ejected when the new leaf-buds expand next spring.
