Baobab seedling losing vitality

(Zone 11)

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of being given a couple of Adansonia grandidieri seedlings. The problem is that it's been some days since I don't see any advance in them. It's rather the opposite, apart from changing a bit their color and getting some ugly spots in what should be its future cotyledons, I guess.

They still are in Jiffy peat pellets. What I've done till now is reduce the watering a bit. They have been in the open and the temperatures have been around 25 degrees Celsius (around 77 F). It hasn't been very sunny lately.

Now that I'm thinking of it... wouldn't it be advisable to change them into new pellets and / or transplant them into pots? Could it be possible that they're being affected by some pest or fungus? since the pellets have been among other pots and perhaps the soil from those pots could have contaminated the ends of the roots that have been peeping out from under the pellets since a couple of days ago.

Any other suggestion? Do you think that I'm right? What would you recommend me?

Of course, they are a couple of jewels that I would regret a lot to lose.

Here are the plants some days ago. They grew a lot in a couple of days and they looked very healthy:


This message was edited Aug 14, 2011 7:43 PM

This message was edited Aug 14, 2011 7:47 PM

Thumbnail by Canariensis
(Zone 11)

And now this is a photo taken today. The other one suffered a cut in its root and it's been growing much more slowly.

Thumbnail by Canariensis
(Zone 11)

A question has arisen: is it better to just sprinkle a little every night as I have done until now or would it be better to nearly submerge those peat pellets twice a week, for example?

I just sprinkled a little every night for fear of fungus problems, but it could be too little water, as a friend has just hinted. What do you think?

More water but not too often or less water every night? What is more recommendable?

As I told you they have been in my terrace, in the open air.

Thanks again.

This message was edited Aug 14, 2011 11:10 PM

Dublin, CA(Zone 9a)

In general it's better to water thoroughly but less often.

(Zone 11)

Thanks, ecrane3... I think I'm starting to understand. If anyone has any other comment.

Thanks again.

Winnetka, IL

You might try a Hydrogen Peroxide solution; I find it prevents fungal growth, and the seedlings are greener and more robust. I put 1-2 Tbsp. of 2% Hydrogen Peroxide in a gallon jug of water. Because it basically oxygenates the water, I (sometimes) water with abandon and still rarely have issues.

Good luck!

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