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Algae/fungus on soil? 3 years 5 months ago #63128

  • cs_rlewis
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Hey guys is this algae/fungus a cause for concern?I've peeled it off a couple of times, but it grows back eventually after a month or two. Photo isn't the best buts it's around the base of the trunk.thanks

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Last edit: Post by cs_rlewis.

Algae/fungus on soil? 3 years 5 months ago #63129

  • lucR
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Yup, algae. Your soil is too wet.
A few questions:
- what are all these pebbles doing there?
- does your pot have a drainage hole ?
- is you plant inside ( where it will die) or outside( where it should be)?

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Algae/fungus on soil? 3 years 5 months ago #63130

  • cs_rlewis
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hi :)
I assume the pebbles are a type of mulch, it came with bonsai from the nursery.
yep the pot has a hole but I think the soil is quite compacted and doesn't drain so well.
also the bonsai has been outside since I bought it 7 months ago in full sun
greetings :)

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Algae/fungus on soil? 3 years 5 months ago #63131

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Take away the pebbles, they do nothing and prevent you seeing the soil.
Only water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Check the drainage hole, is water still running out from underneath when you water? If not you might try to poke a bit in it with a chopstick or something.
Repot in spring with some good open free draining substrate

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Algae/fungus on soil? 3 years 5 months ago #63133

  • cs_rlewis
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Thanks, I'll check the drainage hole.
I live in Australia and we are already in spring now. I was thinking to leave throughout the spring and summer season and then repot/slip pot at the end of our winter. The foliage looks very green so I think the tree is still healthy - I don't really water much because if it rains once a week it's enough to keep the soil damp. I was mainly concerned that the algae was a sign of infection :/
Thoughts?

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Last edit: Post by cs_rlewis. Reason: More info

Algae/fungus on soil? 3 years 5 months ago #63134

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Repotting at the end of winter/ beginning spring is a good idea, but the tree might not be able to cope that long If you cant get that wet muck dryer soon. Strange that the soil,is this wet If you water not frequently.
Anyhow, algae are a sign of extreme wetness.
You could slippot the plant without touching the roots into some good soil now into a pot with good drainage holes. ( and remove these pebbles!!!)

Ps: how long is that wire on, it looks like it's biting in already ( but I can't see it really well)

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Last edit: Post by lucR.

Algae/fungus on soil? 3 years 5 months ago #63135

  • cs_rlewis
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Great, I'll try get the soil dryer, and buy some premium bonsai soil. We are definately getting some warm days here as well. Removing the pebbles will help that. Wire has been on when I bought it in February, I guess it's been on a while before that!
I remember I checked with the nursery and they said to water it half a cup everyday.
I've only been doing it max once a week because I knew the soil was always damp.
Greetings :)

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Algae/fungus on soil? 3 years 5 months ago #63136

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Never water on a schedule, always when necessary ( when soil feels dry)
Can you post a picture of the entire tree?

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Algae/fungus on soil? 3 years 5 months ago #63137

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Here is a photo taken when I bought it in feb/March this year, pebbles and all :) it's a juniper with scale like foliage yes?
It basically looks the same except has a little more foliage, plus I removed the tiny dead branches. I haven't decided on a final style yet as I'm new to the hobby and mainly wanted to keep it healthy in the beginning.
I wanted to slippot it next year to thicken the trunk.

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Algae/fungus on soil? 3 years 5 months ago #63138

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The fastest way to thicken the trunk is plant it in the ground and forget about it for 5 years.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Clicio

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