Help me save my special Japanese Maple

My parents gave me a little "Coral Bark" Japanese Maple two years ago for Christmas. I planted it, it struggled along for several months, then died, or so I thought. This spring it sent up a little shoot that I babied all through the horrendous summer that we had here in Alabama. It has held its own, but now the leaves have this funky gray moldy-looking stuff on them that is just not very attractive. What is that, and how do I get rid of it? Also, I want to dig it up and put it in a pot so that I can take it with me should I decide to move. Any suggestions on how to do that successfully? I don't think it was happy where it was anyway.

Lalasland, I had the same problem. I finally had to give mine up as it was not the right area for it. If you go to the JM forum, they might be able to help you more. Beautiful tree, that. Sorry you're having trouble.

Acers like their roots to be tightly bound, especially when they are small.... They also like the soil to be quite moist. Try replanting into a smallish pot, place in dappled shade in a sheltered spot and water regularly. Repot in about a year's time to a bigger pot and keep going until it gets quite big.

Good luck!

M

I agree with Meegs. When I got my first JM it was in really bad shape. I planted it in a pot using Miracle Gro potting soil. I left it to grow in the pot for several years,(5 I think). Changed pots every year. 2 summers ago we put it in the ground(the roots were growing through the bottom of the pot!!!) in full sun and it is now VERY healthy!!! It is about 10 foot tall and full. Because of the drought it didn't get as colorful as usual, being in Alabama you know what I mean.......I water mine at least once a week will continue to til we go to water restrictions.....hope this helps....good luck!!!!
Beckie

As far as I am aware, acers like a slightly acid soil to colour and grow well, I would agree with you to lift the little plant, with care and dont damage the growing roots, you may need to give a tree stake for support while in the pot till the trunk hardens up, it sure deserves a second chance after it's struggle to throw up another shoot, so re pot it, I'd add some feed to the potting soil, I would also add some leaf mould to this soil as they are trees that grow at the outer edge of woodlands in there natural habitat, therefore get leaf mould from the other trees it grows beside, baby it along for a good few years as the tree is very young and tender, keep it in a sheltered area as strong winds and real dry hot weather will set it right back again, re-pot as stated by others every couple of years or when you see roots come through the bottom of the pot, you will need to keep a close eye for lack of water as trees in pots dry out quite fast due to the little soil they sit in while in the pots. Good luck, you should have a wonderful tree to admire and have happy memories of for years to come. WeeNel.

Thanks to everyone for the good advice and encouragment. This little tree means a lot to me. It's struggle to survive has been kind of symbolic and inspiring, and I really want it to make it. Keep your fingers crossed!