Beginner Gardening: Help please: Black rotting spots on my Bodhi tree leaves! , 0 by PatrickA_FL

PatrickA_FL wrote:
Well, here's what I found when I de-potted the tree today. [See Photo]

I trimmed that long straggler root off, but left the rest alone as they appeared okay. I thoroughly flushed all of the dirt off the roots, quickly washed the inside of the pot out with a little Murphy's Oil Soap and rinsed really well prior to doing so, as the inside of the pot looked a little slimy. I picked up some Jungle Growth Potting Soil prior to all of this to see what the composition looked like compared to the Miracle Grow, and it IS indeed a bulkier looking soil, with a lot of small wood slivers in it. I placed the soil into the pot (without the pea gravel layer - thanks for that information about that), and checked pH and moisture with my 3 in 1 pH, Moisture and Light meter. Without even watering the soil in, the meter registered perfect on the moisture level and a pH of slightly less than 7 which is where the Bodhi tree should be from literature I have read online.

I planted the tree into the new soil, and it did feel slightly moist fresh out of the bag, so I did not water it in. It packed well also, so I actually think this stuff comes ready to use, perhaps? There was definitely a moist feel to it and as I said, the meter was spot on for both moisture and pH. I then placed the tree in the dirt, gave a gentle pat down and placed it into the warm, direct sun and allowed it to sunbathe a few hours before bringing it back into my garage. I also purchased a 65W (blue glass) grow bulb and replaced the 42W CFL (150W incandescent equivalent) bulb. Not sure if this was a good idea, but the light meter registers about mid way on the meter at the foliage level. I have the bulb about 2 feet away from the leaves as the package said between 1 and 3 feet away from the foliage is best. I guess I could move it a bit closer and see if I get a better reading. IF this isn't the best light to use, please advise ASAP. I also have been doing some reading online and I read where LED lighting is the optimal lighting for indoor plant growing. Is this true? Do you have any experience with LED lighting?

Anyway, I wasn't able to find any Repti-Bark, as PetSmart was out of it, and the only perlite I could find was Miracle Grow, which I was told is loaded with fertilizer. I also heard Miracle Grow Perlite is very alkaline in composition from ammonia in it, and I did not want to risk playing with fire. I will see how the Jungle Growth works for moisture retention and if necessary, the next re-pot I will do the perlite and Repti-Bark. I just wanted to get it out of that MG soil ASAP and didn't want to risk one more day with soggy roots. Fortunately, I think the roots are okay. Zoom in on the photo and you can see close up.

You had mentioned that you had some tips for watering without running into the over-saturation issue again. I am all ears!! Hopefully, this Jungle Growth Potting Soil will help.

By the way, I have treated the spider mites with your concoction twice now. (Two evenings in a row) although I did not do it this evening. I did not want to stress the tree anymore for one day. Do you think I should do more tomorrow?

Anyway, thanks again for all the good input. I just might get this thing growing, yet!

All the best,

Pat