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Wide cracks in soil

  • bruce-tree
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Wide cracks in soil was created by bruce-tree

Posted 7 years 9 months ago #34939
Hello. Two years ago I purchased a healthy 25 year old Chinese Elm.

I have been looking after it quite well and it seems to be growing fine.

I have not re-potted this tree as firstly I don't know how to do it and secondly I'm not sure if it needs it.

There are some large cracks appearing in the soil and I'm wondering if this is a sign of over-watering, or another issue?

Thanks

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Last Edit:7 years 9 months ago by bruce-tree
Last edit: 7 years 9 months ago by bruce-tree.

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  • leatherback
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Replied by leatherback on topic Wide cracks in soil

Posted 7 years 9 months ago #34943
Poor substrate in combination with poor care. The soil is very dried out.
What is the fluorescend tube sticking out of the ground?
by leatherback

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  • bruce-tree
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Replied by bruce-tree on topic Wide cracks in soil

Posted 7 years 9 months ago #34946
The soil is actually quite most to touch but obviously it could have been too dry quite recently.

The plastic item is a plant drip feeder which I used this year (spring time only) to help it grow:

Something like this:


Should I re-pot the tree and take better care of the soil, ie don't over water, don't let it get too dry etc.?
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  • Meadowmorph
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Replied by Meadowmorph on topic Wide cracks in soil

Posted 7 years 9 months ago #34958
Is the plant pot-bound? If a bonsai's pot is full of roots, the roots start pushing the base of the tree up. This might be causing the cracks. How long ago was it re-potted?
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  • Meadowmorph
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Replied by Meadowmorph on topic Wide cracks in soil

Posted 7 years 9 months ago #34959
Also a couple of things: Certain soil "cracks" more than others when they are dry. You can see this in nature when clay dries, it cracks. Clay has virtually no organics, so make sure when you re-pot that you are using soil with enough organics to hold the moisture, but enough inorganics to allows for good drainage.

Another observation" Your moss seems to be drying, declining, or dying. Do the cracks go beneath the moss? It appears the moss around the feeder is in better shape either to do with it receiving better nutrients or simply more moisture. I hope this helps

Cheers!.
by Meadowmorph
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  • bruce-tree
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Replied by bruce-tree on topic Wide cracks in soil

Posted 7 years 9 months ago #35125
Ok so I've taken the tree to a nursery and had it re-potted.

I purchased the tree online. The tree was not wired so it may have been pulling upwards.

I was also informed the tree had only basic compost and not the correct mixture for the tree to thrive.

?30 re-pott and we go again :)
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  • Dick Wilson
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Replied by Dick Wilson on topic Wide cracks in soil

Posted 7 years 9 months ago #35151
I have an chinese Elm in my house too.
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