Child Item

How to revive Christmas star tree getting drier?

st22

Hi, I have got the "christmas star" tree about a month ago.

Week 1: watered it

Week 2: watered it

Week 3: planted in a larger pot, watered, sprayed with seasol

Week 4: fertilised and watered and sprayed water. watered again in a few days (twice in total)

Week 5: watered and sprayed with water twice

Last two weeks the tree is getting drier and drier starting from the trunk. Please see attached photo.

Advice would be appreciated, thank you!

Find more posts tagged with

Gardening

Planting and Growing

Comments

EricL

Hello @st22

Thank you for reaching out, and I'm sorry to hear about your Christmas Star tree facing some challenges. Based on the care routine you've described and considering the condition where the dryness started from the trunk, a few factors might be at play.

It sounds like you're doing a great job providing water and using products like Seasol, which helps with root health and stress recovery. However, overwatering or inadequate drainage in the larger pot might be causing issues, such as root rot. When you planted it in the new pot, ensure it had good drainage holes, and use a high-quality potting mix suitable for trees or flowering plants. If the soil remains soggy for extended periods, the roots might not be able to get enough oxygen, which could lead to the symptoms you’re seeing.

The dryness starting at the trunk may also suggest a fungal issue or damage at the base of the tree. The store stocks products like Yates Anti Rot or similar fungicides, which can help address fungal infections. Before applying any treatment, gently inspect the trunk and the base of the tree for signs of damage, mould, or rot. Also, ensure the tree isn't being watered directly on the trunk, as this can exacerbate problems.

Environmental factors could also be contributing. If the tree is in direct sunlight or exposed to strong winds, it may need some protection during hotter parts of the day. The store offers shade cloths that could help shield it while it recovers.

Lastly, consider adding mulch around the base of the tree but keep it a few centimetres away from the trunk to retain moisture without trapping excess humidity. If the condition persists or worsens, bringing a photo and details of the issue to your local store’s garden section might provide more specific advice tailored to the plant's needs.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @st22

You are doing all the right sort of things. Maybe needs semi shade/light not full sun Not saying you aren't doing this already.

I can't help wonder about the pot larger size possibly

We all know there is a water table underground where the rain ends up that soaks through the ground that as we know is out of reach of surface plants.

Now please don't put me in the looney bin for this as there is actual science around this.

Pots also have their own sweet spot where moister is held in place by surface tension? Or another force name? Not a believer yet consider a wet sponge where the water stays inside the sponge VS gravity wanting it down and out.) With the sponge more water will gather at the bottom and be gradually drier at the sponges top even while suspended mid-air and not lose its water fast. How is this so? Dirt soil moss sand compost all are acting as a form of a sponge even with holes in the bottom of the pot not all the water flows out and the water level is determined by soil composition and this water zone can vary levels inside the pot and be be out of reach by smaller plant roots.

Now you know why nursery plants the smaller pots have matching the plant root zone size

I think @st22 your pot is possibly too big and the water in the pot is going down past root level so it it gets a quick drink when you water it but that's it.

Try testing this by gently digging down past the roots to one side and note the soil wetness or dryness If the theory is correct the soil should be more moist past the root zone.

What to do about it half fill that pot with soil and or re pot the plant in a smaller pot.

Other solutions we use for plants in the ground to help them stay hydrated when the watering is over, Water crystals in the root zone or peat moss natures water crystals organic mulch holding water on top.

Food for thought

st22

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/46352#Comment_46352

Seems drier from one side that is facing the sun. Changed location to another that gets a bit less direct sunlight.

Added more draining holes.

Added stuff at the top of the pot to reduce evaporation.

No improvement so far.

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85513#Comment_85513

Hi @st22

If you can move it then try into semi shade with other plants with all this heat waves coming through,

These things take time and all things work

hang in there.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/85513#Comment_85513

Hi @st22,

Unfortunately, when the needles on a pine tree begin drying up and dying off, it can be a sign that the plant is already in a critical state or possibly dead. However, there’s still a chance it might recover with some adjustments.

I’d recommend moving the tree to a semi-shade location, away from direct sunlight, as the current exposure could be causing additional stress. At this stage, direct sunlight is likely doing more harm than good.

Ensure you only water the tree when the soil begins to dry out around 10cm below the surface. You can check this by sticking your finger into the soil to feel for moisture. Overwatering can exacerbate the issue, so it’s essential to find the right balance.

If you notice any improvement, continue to care for the tree in this shaded environment and monitor it closely.

Mitchell

Child Item