Could this be root rot?

Hopefully the next leaf growth is fine. I'm sure these leaves are screwed.

I just hope one more cycle of root growth followed by new leaf growth occurs this summer. What do you think? Last time leaves started growing in the middle of June.

root rot?

Pop the root ball out of the pot and take a look!

One tree seems OK (not great), but the other is NOT.
It got me thinking: can this be because I transplated the tree that is doing worse, when the new braches HAD ALREADY BEEN starting? They were about 1,5 cm in size when transplanted. Can it be that the tree only reacted to this only after 2-3 weeks after the transplant?

I wouldn't think so. I transplanted my trees earlier in the spring when they were starting their first flush and they did great through and are on their next or 2nd flush after the repot. I do keep them outside.

You never said how damp the soil is or whether you check the soil before watering.

Did you stop watering on 7/22 and when did you resume?

In addition, you need to pop the soil out and see how it looks on the bottom. You won't harm it, unless you are too rough and tear some roots.


Can it be that the tree only reacted to this only after 2-3 weeks after the transplant?

I only water when the top of inch of the soil dries out and the pot feels light.

The trees look like this right now:

Well, no root rot apparently, it's actually the opposite - the rootball has dried out a bit.

I'll know to water it more in the center of the pot in the future.

Things are looking up. A major improvement! Just compare:
July 31st:

August 2nd:


Now I'm not sure of what to do with the other tree; to also transplant it into a bigger container or leave it in the smaller...