Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Laurel Sumac (Malosma Laurina) - UPDATE

 exerpt from most recent entry to the Photo/History page for this tree; to access the Photo/History page, click here.


Well, I was dead-wrong in July when I didn't re-pot the Sumac..the potting soil became compacted, even with the top dressing, water ran-off instead of soaking-in..time for a change. 

This was one of the first "no dirt" re-pots, after I made the decision to go with an inorganic potting mix.





I know now why some specimens are wired into their pots..I used to think that wiring a plant was overkill..that if it were transplanted properly & had a good root system, it shouldn't have to be wired..now I know better.

The potting mix I'm using is much lighter & less dense than soil-based mixes & the pot I've had the Sumac in is not very deep. Our regular afternoon winds almost immediately blew the newly-re-potted tree onto it's side,exposing roots to sun & air & I did not notice for some time. The damage is done..I have been able to repot & I think he's going to live, but he has lost some foliage & may lose more..he is more stable now after a couple of days, but I am keeping him out of the wind. From now on, top-heavy plants will be wired when re-potted.