Satsuki Kaho new leaves brown ends.

Recently re-potted after flowering, tree looks a good colour but some (not all) of the tiny new growth leaves are brown on the ends, leading to the entire leaf turning brown. Given Miracid after flowering then teh following week a half dose of seaweed all with rainwater (fresh).

In Kanuma. Tree was extremely pot bound and water was very difficult to get in, however the root ball stayed quite moist for several days. It is positioned in a very shady spot and takes dappled sun for a few hours each day, (mornings to 11am approx).

Done the white paper test for RSM. Since repotting no feed has been given and I am waiting for the soil to dry out some before watering again.

My gut feeling is over watering but I would be very obliged if an expert could assist.

I removed 30% of previous growth when repotting to thin the tree out. Leaves are a nice equal darkish green. When repotted large Kanuma with medium to base and two thirds up the pot finishing with a small to medium layer, I did not add anything when repotting. The only other thing I found was many ants swarming inside the pot when I removed the tree to repot, I inspected root ball carefully and could see no trace of any nest etc or root aphid.

Your help will be most appreciated.

Mike

Was it already in Kanuma before you repotted?

Hmm, those ants worry me. The only real sign of an ants nest is lots of ants and eggs. The eggs are cylindrical with rounded ends and cream coloured. If there are many ants in the pot they are likely to be tunnelling and disturbing the fine roots. I'd be using some ant powder.

Yes Kev, like-for-like, in Kanuma previously.

Mike

Any more thoughts?

Mike

I, for one, am no fan of Kanuma. Where I live, it seems to become mush very easily and holds much too much moisture at any time. All of my Satsuki are in Turface (AKA kitty litter for you in he UK, I guess) and a rotted bark compost (about 60-40).

It's puzzling if you had ants in the pot, but no sign of residency. What was it like UNDER the pot?

I've pretty much given up repotting after the bloom, even though it is "tradition." It is harder on the plant. I try to plan ahead, and debud all trees that need repotting in the following spring, then repot in early to mid spring with all my other trees. It's easier on the azaleas, though you do have to forego a year of blooms. (Still, you almost always miss a bud or two.)