AusBonsai

Hi
I am an avid reader of the forum but have not posted before.

I have several giant sequoia seedlings grown from seed and cant keep them alive past 3 years.
They seem to be extremely healthy and vigorous for 2-3 years and then without warning, the branches will go grey and die off, from the bottom to the top of the tree over approx 2 months (a slow and lingering death!)
Seems to happen in summer - is it just too hot in Australia for these trees?
They have normally been in full sun (where they thrive when young). I have tried (unsuccessfully) various combinations to avoid this fate : fungicide, free draining soil mix, shade cloth, even moved cities (Sydney to Newy) but alas have not had one survive more than 3 years. Post mortems on roots - no rot, some even showing new white shoots.
Does anyone have anything else I can try?
Vangees



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I have had one sequoia growing in a pot for at least ten years. It is over 2 meters tall and we use it as a Christmas tree. Of course it isn't bonsai although I have fantasised about a trunk chop. Also have a younger one that is about 5 years old and a couple of seedlings each less than 2 years old. They all get at least half day (morning) sun in summer and appreciate plenty of water. The soil mix is fairly standard and free draining but I do add some extra coir for moisture retention. They tend to be apically dominant so do loose bottom branches unless the top is kept tip pruned. I found one of the seedlings in late winter and transplanted it into a pot then. Its tips went grey soon after and it hasn't grown much since but still seems to be alive.
In summary, I haven't had your problems and I am not sure what is causing them. I think the species is susceptable to fungal dieback and there may be tell tale dead areas under the bark. I would encourage you to persist, give them plenty of water, good drainage, some shade from afternoon summer sun and be patient if they aren't thriving (I would only pot on if they are getting root bound).
Good luck.

Could be red spider mite. Take a piece of white paper and place it very close under a branch, give the branch a good tap and then have a look at the paper. You might need a magnifying glass, but if there are any very small "critters" on the paper, its most probably red sider mite. They thrive in the hot dry weather. You will need to spray.
Good luck.

Watto wrote:Could be red spider mite. ..

Thanks - i did the test and its not red spider mite (wish it was so i could know what is happening). Although frustrating, will take the advice above from pasquale and persist!