this is an exerpt from the latest entry to the Photo/History page for the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'). click-on see the full history of this little tree
I have not updated or reported on the 'Bloodgood' simply because he is not doing well. Starting in mid-summer (about the same time as I chopped the 'Monrovia') this tree stalled-out, stopped growing, no new
leaves, but also no manifestation of disease or infestation.
Stumped by what might be wrong, I sought advice & was advised that this particular sapling was not bred or conditioned to handle our hot, dry & windy environment. The diagnosis was that the Bloodgood had shut-down in self defense & I was also advised that "benign neglect" was the best course of action; to leave the tree alone & that if he survived, he would recover his vitality, in time.
Since then, I've continued to water the Bloodgood & occasionally feed him over the summer & into the early fall. There has been virtually no change..he has not dropped foliage, leaves are not 'droopy', but they do show evidence of wind burn on the tips, which is common for this cultivar.
Recently, I decided to transition to an inorganic potting mix, a standard Bonsai soil mix with better than expected results. What I have learned is that commercial potting mix's have a tendency toward compaction when used for the more intensive cultivation required for miniature trees.
After seeing the positive responses from most of the trees in my collection to the new potting mix, I have decided not to waste another season, do nothing but hoping that this tree will spring-back to normal health & growth next spring. I'm going to gamble that re-potting the Bloodgood now, this fall, will give him a solid foundation to recover during his dormancy, this winter & a better chance at a full recovery to active growing status next spring.
I think we'll know how this gamble turns out in a week or less, so stay tuned for updates!
