Beni Hemi Dwarf Maple - White stuff in soil (growing, spring, leaves)

[HappySpring]

Hi....

I hoping someone can help me out with this. I just noticed today that my dwarf maple has this gross white stuff growing in the soil. The maple itself seems fine, nothing on the leaves or stems.

I am going to attach some pictures. The maple is named "Beni" and I had him for about 4 or 5 years now. Seeing this is new to me.

Around Beni are some potted plants and their soil is just fine. Only Beni has the problem.

Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions!

[Butterfly4u]

Happy Spring,
When was the last time you changed the potting soil?
If it has been more than 2 years, it could be salts building up
in the soil, in which case you may want to flush them out, or
consider changing the potting soil to fresh soil.
Just a guess.

[kinkytoes]

I agree those are definitely salt crystals. I would recommend putting the maple in a large pot created of natural material. The crystals may be excess from fertilizer, and in any case, a terracotta etc pot allows the excess to leach to the outside of the container, protecting the plant.

[HappySpring]

wow, so it could be salt then. The last time I re potted was about 2 years ago. Little Beni is going to get new soil and a larger terracotta pot. I was so worried and sort of grossed out by the white stuff. But thinking it can be salt, that changes everything.

Thank you both for your insight!! I'll get working on it tomorrow. I got Beni as a little nothing tiny baby and he grew into this amazing sight. So whatever keeps him happy I will do.

Have a great weekend!!