Hi Citrusfreak....

Sorry man, but need to ask questions to get a better feel for what is going on..

How often have you been feeding it and with what? The ratio too? Like 10.10.10, or 20.10.20 and son on.
Does the fertilizer have calcium in it and minors?
What kind of pot is it in, and is it set out in the full "hot" sun?
When you say gritty mix, what kind and did you make it yourself? What does it compromise?
When did this problem of yellowing start to occur?
When you say large container, is that because the roots were large to begin with?
What has your weather been like?
Do you make sure you feed with anything that keeps the pH lower than 7.0?
How long has this plant been in that pot?
Does it have drainage holes?
How much water do you have to give it before it drains?
Do you water in sips or thoroughly everytime till the water freely flows out from the bottom?
Why do you only check 2-3 inches down for moisture?

Please, anymore cultural habits you have and details can helps us narrow down your problem without guessing..

Mike...:-)

Thanks for responding Mike! I used the gritty mix that you had listed. 5 parts bark, 1 part perlite, 1 part peat moss. The pot does have holes for drainage. I use citrustone by espoma with a ratio of 5-2-6. It says to use it 3-4times a year. After I applied it, the tree had new leaf growth. It has been in a planter since april. The planter is plastic. The temperatures here in md have been really high lately, in the upper 90s to 100s and it is in full sun. I think the temperatures may have something to do with it. I thoroughly water it each time. I would say every other day when it is hot like this.

Until the temps go down a bit, stick the plant in part shade, especially protect the pot and the from the heat of the full afternoon sun sand see if this makes a difference..The roots are to hot to function properly. Did you ever notice the leaves on your plants limp, even though the pot is wet?

Poor root function while they toast...Hard time taking up water and nutrients which is showing up in your leaves..

I would also feed with a very weak solution of chemical fertilizer such as MG, miracaid, or FP, and give it time to green up.

Did you lime the 5.1.1 mix when you made it?

Let us know what happens after a few days..

Mike

Thanks Mike. The temps will be back in the 90s tomorrow so I will try to move it somewhere else. I haven't noticed how the leaves are when the pot is wet. What do you mean by "Did you lime the 5.1.1. mix"? I appreciate your help

He means did you add lime to the mix when you made it.

which brings me to my question for Mike. What would be the best way to add lime to an already potted tree. Would mixing a measured amount into water be enough or what about sprinkling it on the surface then watering.

Reason I ask is I didnt do this step and feel I need to add it in. Im unsure of how much to add so I guess It would be best to do small amount at a time.

Hi mksmth,

I use to estimate....It has been a long time since I have had too..

It is suppose to be 1 tablespoon per gallon of soilless mix...Maybe, I would scratch in , then water thoroughly..It will work, just as sprnkling lime on your lawn does and giving a good drink..You know, can you post this question over at the container froums? That is a very good one..:-). I think Al will tell you as quick as you can blink an eye...

I am curious though citrusfreak. Did you make the 5.1.1 mix with 5 parts "pine" fines or mulch, and one part fresh peat?

Mike