I nurtured a Japanese Maple from a 4-in.pot up to a 24-in. pot. Suddenly, the leaves began to curl and fall. Upon examination, the drainage holes had become blocked so apparently, it had too much water. The pot was featherweight material so I punched more holes in the bottom and the water began to flow. Next, I drenched it and let the water run through. The maple was in shade and planted in organic material with hardwood mulch on top. The stems are still pliable. Will it leaf out again and, should I do anything more for it?

You mentioned the maple was planted in organic material. I am curious to know exactly what that was. Make sure the medium in the container has a chance to dry out a bit and is not holding too much water. Work in some horticultural cornmeal into the top of the soil and then replace the layer of mulch. Make sure you can see the small flare of the trunk and do not cover it. Foliar spray with Garret Juice and hope for the best. Loss of the leaves now is not a good sign but cross your fingers and watch for new buds to form.

I planted the Maple originally in a mix of potting soil and Back to Earth compost. When I punched the new holes and drenched it with water, I replaced the cedar mulch and watered it again with Garrett Juice. No signs of buds yet but limbs are still pliable. I'm wondering if I need to remove it from the pot and try to plant it next month. I'll try the cornmeal. Just tossed some on my roses and St.Augustine this weekend but didn't think to try it on the maple. Thanks!

After drenching the pot and applying Garrett Juice and a new layer of cedar mulch + elevating the pot to allow constant drainage, I now have new leaves appearing! Yea!

If it had been sitting in water, why would you drench it again, then yet again w/ fertilizer?

_________________
Sandi
Texas Certified Nursery Professional
Texas Master Naturalist
Organic gardener
Tree-Hugger
Native Texan

The container holes were plugged initially. When I made new holes and allowed the old, stagnant water to run through I felt that fresh water and nutrients might help, and it did, though from the initial reply, new leaves were unlikely sense the tree had been in stress. I'm just happy that it worked.

Sure glad it did work for you. Most people would have thrown them away at that point. Good work!!

_________________
Sandi
Texas Certified Nursery Professional
Texas Master Naturalist
Organic gardener
Tree-Hugger
Native Texan