bald cypress fungus?

Hi Steve from Naples, I have a small bald cypress in a shallow bonsai pot which is root bound. My first question is the white fungus matter on the leaves and branches. I washes them off with water and they still returned white matter a few days later. Is this a result of being pot bound or something else? Also, since it is not the time of year to root prune, can I take it out of the existing pot and put it in a bigger pot with just potting mix for 3 months? What is this white stuff? I see it on local full grown trees in my area. Any suggestions?

Moved to Bonsai pests etc.

I don't know of any fungus that attacks bald cypress (that'snot to say there isn't one). Can we have pictures -- close ups?

Probably mildew...

Do your tree sleep at night with wet leaves. Water in the mornings, instead of at night.

Love and light

Thanks you are probably right. I moved the tree and it was not getting as much sun as before. What about repotting the root bound situation? Just keep it moist til February or can I repot now?

Unless the roots are pushing it out of the pot, I'd leave it be. They like jammed up roots.

What you have are root mealy bugs. You need to drown the tree for an extended period. You can also use Ortho Dursban in the water.

BillsBayou wrote:What you have are root mealy bugs.  You need to drown the tree for an extended period.  You can also use Ortho Dursban in the water.

I would agree with you if the white stuff was on the soil, roots, or pot...but the OP says leaves and branches.  Root Aphids are a big problem in cypress and even keeping them flooded will not slow them down...it takes a chemical unfortunately.

Mr. Jones...could the white stuff perhaps be lichen growing?

As far as slip potting, it would be fine to do now, but as Jim suggests its probably not necessary.
John

Now I see this is an old post!

Perhaps, it's calcium deposits from hard water? Pictures would certainly help.

jgeanangel wrote:

BillsBayou wrote:What you have are root mealy bugs.  You need to drown the tree for an extended period.  You can also use Ortho Dursban in the water.

I would agree with you if the white stuff was on the soil, roots, or pot...but the OP says leaves and branches.  Root Aphids are a big problem in cypress and even keeping them flooded will not slow them down...it takes a chemical unfortunately.

Mr. Jones...could the white stuff perhaps be lichen growing?

As far as slip potting, it would be fine to do now, but as Jim suggests its probably not necessary.
John

Now I see this is an old post!

Curse my vision! I saw "rootbound" and white fungus, and my brain misfired.