Question From:
Pamela Foley in Lake MacDonald, Lake MacDonald QLD
Nature of problem:
My gordonias one in shade with filtered sun and one in full sun and their top and middle branches have died – why?
Type of Plant (if known):
Gordonia
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Branches dying only been for about 1 year but have lost another one altogether.
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Clay with shale rock throughout it.
How often do you water the plant:
By water spraying system at present 3 times a week.
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
One gets afternoon sun 3 – 4 hours and other one in full sun all day.
What type of plant is it:
Gordonia
How long since you planted it:
Approx. 1 year.
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Dynamic Lifter usually every three months.
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors
What other treatments have you given the plant:
White Oil
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Answer:
Hi Pamela, The answer will almost certainly lie in the soil & roots. Dig some small holes around the plants to see if the soil is water-repelling. pour water into the holes and wait to see if it drains away. If the soil stays dry, get some Seasol Super Soil Wetter and use it. Ideally the soil should have about 50% compost or organic matter added if the plants are to grow well. This means that you would need to dig up the plants (now) and add organic matter to create at least a 2m diameter of the improved soil where each plant is to go. Now you can re-plant each plant. I have no idea how ill the plants are – so the risks are all yours. Good luck, Don.
