What size are the drain holes? Did you cover them with some sort of screen? If you were to water again, would the water that come out brown again?

There is one large one, about the diameter of a golf ball, and several small ones with the diameters of peas. Theres no screen, at all, is it necessary to put one in?

I cant wate it again until it dries out, so im unsure to be honest

A screen may be necessary for the large one. I use drain holes with 3/4 inch diameter without screens and do not lose any significant amount of mix after passing some water through. Expect to see some peat coming out initially but not afterward. I doubt that you lost too much peat. Next time you water, check the drain water again and then take action, if necessary. But I doubt that will be necessary.

I agree with Vladimir. I probably use 1/2 inch holes...many of them, and initially it does look a bit dark, but then it clears us. I don't use a screen either.

Ok ill be sure to check the drainage water asap. But even if the peat doesnt drain out, I've noticed that its gone from the surface of the mix already, is it normal for the peat to accumulate at the bottom of the pot?

Thanks

Lewis

I do not know about it accumulating at the bottom but I do know that it leaves the surface. By the way, the drain holes in my pots are 1/2 inch, not 3/4 inch. I doubt that there is a problem with your mix.

Thanks for your help, I can rest in peace for a year or so now!

You are welcome. Can you post a photo of your tree? I am curious.

Vladimir,

I've just seen your post and it's 11:30 here, so I'll post a picture tomorrow when it's light

hobby,

Yes it did seem like it was just brown coloured water so the problem may actually not be half as bad as I thought!

Thanks,

Lewis

Here's the tree:

It's in terracotta to allow moisture to evaporate from the sides, since here in the UK, it would never dry out in plastic!

Lewis

Lewis, it is a beauty! Some on this forum dislike terracotta because it keeps the roots cooler that plastic pots. I have used both and have found no difference.

Thanks Vladimir!

And for £35 it was hardly expensive!

Very jaunty looking!

Lewis GREAT job..Just never accidentally let them over dry, especially the top portion of that root ball. It will take time for the roots to fill the pot and for the mix to brake down enough to hold moisture as long as needed...

Thanks Mike!

Looks great! - the mix and the trees!