Satsuma Orange

10 years ago

All, I purchased and planted a Satsuma orange about a month or so back. Just a little guy, IIRC the tag said 2-3 year crop.

Anyway, when I replanted it in the yard, ALL of the dirt fell off around the roots. I expected it to go through a shock period, but not this bad. Hoping the pros on here can help!

Facts:

Root ball fell apart upon planting, obviously roots still attached to tree.

Dug a hole slightly larger than container, planted using the container soil, and a large bag of Miracle Grow garden soil.

I am located in Eastern NC. Soil is very sandy.

Looked great in the pot, leaves curled up and started dropping after the re-plant.

Still holding the fruit, but some of the fruit is kind of yellowing a bit

I have kept the soil moist and we have had a TON of rain.

I fertilized with Jobe's organic fruit and citrus fertilizer a few days after planting.

Is it too late, is it dead, is this normal for citrus???

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Comments (4)

bossyvossy
10 years ago
My guess is that the reason soil fell off the roots is b/c it was newly transplanted to a larger pot to trick unsuspecting buyers into paying more for a larger (bigger pot) plant. Common trick and one that makes my blood boil b/c you don't discover til you're ready to plant yourself. It is not fatal but traumatic to plant.

cut down on water and only do si if soil feels dry after you insert finger in planting area and it feels dry. It could recover but it is def. in shock. Good luck
User
10 years ago
No, this is not normal. Another possible reason the soil fell off is that whoever sold you the tree overwatered it and the roots rotted. Remove the fruit. Do not fertilize. And do as bossyvossy says re watering. The tree is not dead but is sick and may die. I hope it makes it.
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bossyvossy
10 years ago
Yes, pls remove fruit as it requires too much energy from this weakened plant to carry fruit to maturity. With no fruit it can concentrate on strengthening its vascular system (roots). It will produce more fruit once it recovers.
Mike Stein
Original Author
10 years ago
Great. I will remove the fruit and lighten up on the watering. Unfortunately, I have already fertilized, hopefully that doesn't harm the tree. We did have tons of rain, and happened to have a downpour the day I planted the tree, so that could have helped with the root ball not holding together.

I hope the tree makes it as well. Hate to see it in this condition!