What is the soil that it is in? How often do you water? How do you know when to water? I suspect it is over watered.

How much sunlight and at what temps? Was it exposed to very cold temps, even for a few short moments? Have you at any point ';let the leaves wilt' before watering by accident?

Did you know that root rot can take a hold on a tree like someone hitting you off the head with a hammer without any notice..It hurts and kills just as bad..Typically when you bring a plant inside when the pot is still wet, it can take days for the tree to adjust from the outdoors and while it it trying to do that, it will not take up water while the roots sit for weeks in a damp soil..That is why I try to bring them inside when they are almost dried out or bring my trees in to an area where it will almost mimic outside, light, temps and all...

How cold is it? Why did you bring it inside?

Zone 9? It almost seems unheard of to have to bring any plant inside in that zone..Plus. the amount of light you get there is sharply cut off inside, even in a sunny window or under lights.

Did you forget to water it? I would answer all the questions above so we can try to help you.

thanks for the reply everyone!

@Vladimir- its in Miracle gro potting soil, i water only when top 2" are dry. and it was fine last week, didnt water after that, the soil is still wet.

@mikerno_1micha- sorry, its Zone 7B. Its @68F inside the house, at a spot where it gets sunlight from the windows. And i never let it dry or expose to cold for any time. Got it inside the house when the temp in n out were not much different. its been inside for 3 months now.

@Laura- i dont think i forgot to water.

also, i would like to add that the barrel that it is in doesnt have any holes , could that be the problem? i put a bamboo skewer to check the wetness and the soil is still wet after the 1st 1" inside the pot. could waterlogging be the problem? If so, how can i change the soil or pot at this point? its going to snow over the weekend in my area.

In potted trees you have to have as many holes in you pot as possible. I would take it out immediately and check the soil and roots. The tree has drowned. Sorry to give you the bad news. I had lost a tree like that before.

That soggy soil is toxic for the roots. Remove all the fruit and repot in a new pot with LOTS of holes. Make sure you remove all the rotten roots. Do not fertilize for some time and do not overwater. Keep the root area warm, raise the pot so it does not sit on the floor, because warm air rises and cold air is at floor level. I really hope it comes back.

Sunshine is right. Roots need oxygen and the tree is likely drowned. Also, when you take it out, don't put it in potting soil. Search 5-1-1 mix and use that if possible.

ok, will do it right away. thanks

I think the calamondin is a fairly hardy tree....hope it recovers for you.

Looks like mine did when it died of root rot. I watered it too much.

Have you sucked air though the roots.

6b Steve

At least we can all agree that this poor soul is drowning in water and the roots have suffocated quite rapidly...This is always the number one mistake many make with citrus and the first lesson many learn before they run out to buy another.

With all the Chalamodin trees I have been through and still grow, I can tell you that they are the most sensitive to root rot..They can never be left to dry out until wilt. You can never let moisture sit in a pot too long before the root die off. You can not even grow them in low light conditions with warm air. You can not even water then unevenly by accident. You cant not grow them in a pot that does not drain or in a mix that stay wet over 3 to 4 days.....Then, you must watch for mites once in a weakened state which finishes them off..

When repotting into a different kind of
soil mix, remove all of the old soil mix by dunking the root ball in and
out of water. You may have to use a garden hose to force the old soil
off. Or, use something like a screwdriver: stick it into the root ball and pull
down to loosen the soil. Dunk and repeat.

People on this forum use either the
gritty or 5-1-1 mix. The ingredients for 5-1-1 are easier to find. This is what
I use:

My version of Al Tapla's 5-1-1 Mix

· 5
parts pine bark mulch (remove ½” pieces through 1/2 inch screen)

(Some people use Repti Bark instead of
mulch. This does not require screening but may require more frequent watering.)
Be sure to soak the bark overnight.

· 1
part sphagnum peat

· 1
part perlite (coarse, if you can get it)

· 1 Tb garden
lime /gal 5-1-1 mix (measure the 5-1-1 mix)

· Osmocote
plus (follow manufacturer’s instructions). This is optional.

·
Moisten well and wait at least 2 days before using

The tree is not dead until the twigs turn brown. I would say your tree qualifies to be pulled from its pot for a root check.

Also, when you repot with fresh potting mix, try to avoid those with water-retaining crystals ("moisture-pro" and similar). Citrus need a perfectly draining mix.

Gary