Odd Tree #2 - Japanese Cherry(?)

[OneTwoTree]

Here are some photos of what my plant identifier app says is a Japanese Cherry. I found it when it was very small. The main trunk has since been damaged and a new branch grew at a right angle. Somehow this guy is still standing and growing.

1. Is there anything that can be done to ensure it doesn’t continue to grow and snap from the trunk? Should I be staking it to start growing straighter - or just hope that a new branch forms to even it out?

2. It seems to also be suffering from leaf wilt. Not sure how much of an issue that is going into fall, when they are about to drop off. Should I repot into fresh soil (and out of this soda bottle/emergency pot…)

Thanks!

 

[Marck]

Yes, it is ready to be potted up to a five gallon. Do this some time this Winter. After repotting, stake it properly to train the main stem to be upright. Many kinds of stakes and sticks can be used, that green plastic nursery tape makes excellent ties, but other types of string and such can be used as long as you check to make sure the ties aren't digging into the bark.

 

[OneTwoTree]

And as far as staking, I the goal to lift it straight vertical (or as much as is possible) or is this supposed to be a gradual action?

 

[Marck]

You don't want to break or strain the stem, but it should still have flexibility at this stage. Try to get it reasonably straight, but a slight overall arch to the stem will not be a problem. Also when you re-pot it, you can re-angle the rootball so that the stem is as straight as possible.