Nandina brittle dry leaves

[darkurse]

Not sure if this is disease / pests

Whatever I do, it just sheds more leaves. More water, less water, additional food, sunny spot, sheltered spot, bark chip. I've never had one and I'm not sure how the leaves should look. Where do these dark spots come from? how much water does it need? Every time I check there's more dry leaves and they're all over the garden... help?

 

[Meadowlark]

Welcome @darkurse .

How long has it been in that same pot? Have you checked for root bound?

 

[darkurse]

Welcome @darkurse .

How long has it been in that same pot? Have you checked for root bound?

I've moved it to a slightly larger pot after I boght it (a couple months ago)
Don't really remember what the roots looked like then... think I should have a look?

 

[Meadowlark]

I would...just lift the plant gently and take a look.

 

[cpp gardener]

This time of year they start shedding old leaves from years before. In a week or two you should start seeing new light green leaves popping through the red ones. I just planted one a couple of months ago and my wife started panicking when leaves started falling off and again when the new ones came out light green. It’s what they do.
Keep it moist, but only soak it once or twice a week (depending on rain). Give it full sun or just a little shade if you want it to be red.
They really are tough plants that don’t need babying. No need to hover close and worry over every little spot or dropped leaf.

 

[oneeye]

You need to keep an eye on the roots of the plant to make sure you are not over- or under-watering. When you up-potted into a larger pot you increased the water holding capcity then overwatering the plant. Don't water unless the top of the soil is dry and keep the plant on the dry side. Since you are losing top leaves i would say you are overwatering. Get to know your roots by checking them often before and after watering.

 

[darkurse]

This time of year they start shedding old leaves from years before. In a week or two you should start seeing new light green leaves popping through the red ones. I just planted one a couple of months ago and my wife started panicking when leaves started falling off and again when the new ones came out light green. It’s what they do.
Keep it moist, but only soak it once or twice a week (depending on rain). Give it full sun or just a little shade if you want it to be red.
They really are tough plants that don’t need babying. No need to hover close and worry over every little spot or dropped leaf.

jeez, thanks! I noticed these small green leaves and thought it was some kind of unhealthy discoloration! But how do I know it's not shedding too much? My fig tree lost some leaves after I put it outside last year but they were not so crisp dry. The nandina looks a bit bald now like a cat with shingles... not really a healthy look

 

[darkurse]

I would...just lift the plant gently and take a look.

So I'm not sure what to look for but it seems it hasn't yet outgrown the pot? At least it doesn't look as bad as here

 

[darkurse]

Some leaves aro also neither red nor green but discolored... is that ok?

 

[cpp gardener]

They look like it got dry one time and they burned a little. Keep it moist and new ones will be okay. No, those roots are not too thick.

 

[darkurse]

i shook off the leaves that were not holding well (no force applied) and the poor plant looks so miserable now even some of the green / non-dry leaves fell off

 

[cpp gardener]

Just keep it moist and give it time. When it starts to send out new growth you can use a liquid feed at half strength until it starts looking better.

Keep us posted.