Repot or just call it?

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hi, my name is Lisa and I've been lurking this website for quite some time and I'd like to thank all of you wonderful people for the insight and advice you provide. Now for my question I ordered these 3 citrus trees from fourwinds in August. I initially potted them in miracle grows citrus mix. I know, I know terrible idea (but I'm new to gardening). I thinned the mix out with cedar shavings, and then perlite. They barely survived all winter(fungus gnats--thank you beneficial nematodes). I live in zone 5b and we've had a couple of warm days and I've moved my trees outside during the day and now the leaves are losing their sheen and dropping like crazy. When I moved the trees outside I fertilized them with Jobes citrus fertilizer and also neptunes fish emulsion for foliage growth this past week. I've already checked the roots for root rot and I don't see any decaying material or smell anything off putting. I'm toying with the idea of repotting in gritty mix but I'm worried it'll just be a waste. Basically I don't know what I'm doing and I'm worried about what my husband has started to refer to as my three kids. I've attached some pictures. Thanks for the help!!

My lime tree that only has 5 leaves remaining!

lemon tree with leggy growth

Featured Answer

greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a

9 years ago

Pretty much what I'd expect, given the description.

Yes, if the weather is above 55F and not too windy, place them outdoors in a warm area with bright shade or filtered sunlight at first, then gradually introduce them to more sunlight.

It's a bit early to re-pot, but that is the next step for sure. I recommend the 5-1-1, as well. For citrus, I make the 5-1-1 with uncomposted bark, and I like to add in a bit of gritty material, such as lava rock, turface, quartzite, to increase durability, longevity, and drainage/aeration of the mix.

In my zone 7b/8a, I typically re-pot in April, between flushes of growth. You might want to wait until May, when your trees have regained some vitality.

Josh

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Comments (6)

Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)
9 years ago
You may be overwatering and that soil may be retaining too much water and/or it may be winter leaf drop. You may find this helpful: http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=13332.0
lisa D thanked Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)
Andi C
9 years ago
thats a good read Vladimir.

citrus trees can regrow after complete defoliation. you'll probably want to remove all the flowers so it can focus on restoring its canopy.

the other thing to think about is how much of a hurry are you wanting fruit. if you have access to larger trees and want fruit quicker you may want to just buy larger trees and plant them in 5-1-1
lisa D thanked Andi C
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susanzone5 (NY)
9 years ago
It's WAY too early in zone 5 to be putting plants outdoors. They will go into shock. Also, the sun will burn the leaves if you don't slowly harden them off, 15 minutes a day more each day. Please wait till May to put them outside. They're not rugs you air out in nice weather! Lol.
Andi C
9 years ago
Josh, have you found if citrus in containers prefer lower pH? I've been making 5-1-1 without lime for my tropicals. preparing to repot the citrus once I get rid of the fire ants
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
9 years ago
Add the Lime - not only will it raise the pH to the appropriate range, 5.2 - 5.8, but it will also provide Calcium and Magnesium. Citrus do well in an acidic mix, but you'll most likely have issues if the pH is close to 4. I wouldn't risk it, personally.

I've only potted ferns, maples, and conifers in bark-based mixes without the Lime.

Josh