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higs89

Help with blood orange tree

9 years ago

Hi guys, I have a small tarocco blood orange tree. I cant seem to get the foliage to green up, im thinking it has some sort of deficiancy but not really sure what it is. The tree is fertilized with osmocote plus and foliage pro every/everyother watering. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Comments (7)

  • 9 years ago

    One thing that you need to do is cut the tree at 30 inches tall. I see from the photo your tree already requires a stick to hold it upright. The apical bud at the top of the tree is restricting any lateral growth. It will only get worse. It looks like the tree is deficient in iron,

    higs89 thanked O J
  • 9 years ago

    I will cut the tree back and give it an iron suppliment. And if you dont mind me asking, what is the significance of cutting to 30 inches? Im still new to citrus and learning as I go. Appreciate the info.

  • 9 years ago

    Im in zone 5a so my trees are in pots. All of which are in 5-1-1 mix. Temps some days are in the mid 60s during the day and 40s at night. They reside in my basement under a light in the winter, and are now outside but, I bring them inside (unheated sunroom) if night temps dip less than 40 degrees. My tap water is around 7ph so I use one tablespoon of white vinegar per gal of water. I found this tree at a local nursery and was super surprised to see citrus in this part of the country in the middle of winter, so I had to have it, ha! The leaves havent changed in appearance since ive had it so, was just wondering if there is something that im doing wrong as none of my other trees have this problem.

  • 9 years ago

    There is nothing you are doing wrong. I would continue to water with vinegar and Foliage Pro and wait until the temps warm up at night steadily above 55. I'll bet your tree will transform at night starting about mid May!

    Just make sure that mix is not rotting your roots, the only other inhibitor..)

    higs89 thanked myermike_1micha
  • 9 years ago

    Still kinda figuring out watering in this mix. I mainly use a wood dowel/my fingers. I normally water around once a week and all my trees seem to be pretty happy. I would just leave them in my sunroom until mid may as daytime temps are normally in the 80s but ironically I only get around 4 hours direct sunlight on a good day. So I have to bring them in and out for the time being. Cant wait for warmer temps.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Iron deficiency is not a rare occurrence, it is indeed a very common deficiency in citrus trees. Iron and zinc are among the two most common citrus deficiency problems.. As Mike wrote, it is true that a deficiency can sometimes improve with a change in climate conditions. Manganese is one deficiency that improves with time, especially when caused by a growth flush. Iron is one element that normally does not improve unless a corrective action is taken.

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