Rainbow Sherbert lost leaves in frost, Wake-Up spray results

[LGrove]

Hi All,
I probably posted my first topic in the wrong section, so I'm putting my results here.

My Rainbow Sherbert that lost it's leaves in the frost got put into intensive care, my covered patio along with a Dark Nebula that lost it's root ball in an unfortunate German Shepherd running after his ball, smacked into plant, knocked over plant, broken pot, but dog got his ball, incident! The Dark Nebula looked no better than my Rainbow Sherbert, only difference was it had only been a couple months since the Dark Nebula lost it's roots.

I had spectacular results with the Wake-Up spray on my Dark Nebula, it's sprouting leaves after 3 applications and is back out in the sun growing like crazy. As for my Rainbow Sherbert, nothing, not a sprout, nothing. I tried poking holes as suggested, then immediately spraying the spray, I tried snipping the ends off the branches, then spraying it. Poking more holes, nothing. I still have it in the shade, and tomorrow is time for the 4th spraying. Any new suggestions? It's still alive in there, I just can't get it to sprout new leaves.

Thanks...Lisa

[Darkhorse]

Hi Lisa,

  Unforunately I'm having the same problem with my Persian Rug.  It lost all its leaves due to spider mites.  I have been applying wake-up spray every evening, scratching little bits of bark off so the wake-up spray can get to the circulatory system.  No luck, and the tips are actually starting to die.  Maybe someone has a suggestion for us!!

Jordan

Just to add, though, wake-up spray did save my Night Runner!!  It was about to lose all leaves, then I started spraying the three that were left and it has tons of new, healthy growth.

[Charlie]

Hi Lisa,

Normally, when hibiscus are healthy, the signals for the top to grow come from the roots. Generally speaking, top growth is controlled by hormones made in the roots and root growth is controlled by hormones made in the tops. For some reason this Rainbow Sherbet is not getting the hormone signal from the roots that it needs. The Wake-up spray is useful in such cases because it takes the place of root generated hormones, but it's not working on this plant. Probably very little is getting into the plant despite your best efforts.

In any case, what is needed is for the roots to send out the proper signals. Growth Enhancer is useful for this because it contains growth stimulating hormones that are taken in by the roots and transferred throughout the plant. I just wish the stuff was not so expensive. If you have it, you should definitely be using it on this Rainbow Sherbet. Otherwise we have think about other ways to get the roots to become active again. One thing you could try is root pruning and repotting in fresh soil. Normally this causes a spurt of new root growth which should also cause the roots to make more growth hormone signals for the top. However, it could also kill the plant since it is not healthy at this point. Another thing to try would be to soak the root ball with a solution of water and bleach, just in case there are fungus problems that are effecting the roots. Try 10 tablespoons (5 ounces) of bleach mixed into a quart container of water.

Those are the only ideas that come to mind. Please let us know what happens!

Charlie

[Darkhorse]

Hi Lisa,  I am using Super Nova on my completely defoliated Persian Rug, and I see a little nub that looks like it may be finally growing a leaf!  Too early to get excited, but I'm using a double dose of Super Nova along with HVH fert and booster.  The plant lost all its leaves a couple months ago due to spider mites.  I too have had no luck with the wake-up spray on this one...  I'm crossing my fingers that this will do the trick.

[LGrove]

AHHHHHHH!!!
I HAVE SPROUTS!!!
Wake-Up Spray did save my Rainbow Sherbert after all!! They may be the smallest of small sprouts, but there is green there for sure!! I have been working on these twigs for months, and now I finally have something to show for my efforts! Good thing it's in a pot now so I can keep it safe from frost and this happening again. I look forward to having these beautiful blooms in my garden again next year!

Thanks to all for all the help and advise and big thanks for your spray that work a miracle on my poor plants! Here is some solid proof it can revive even the hardest to wake-up plants! Thanks so much!
Lisa

[Nievesgirl]

That is awesome Lisa I am glad the wake up spray worked

[Charlie]

I think you saved it! At least the plant is going to give it a go, and we shall see what happens!

Charlie

[helixturnhelix]

Congrats lisa!  Keep up the good work