Leaf drop and yellow leaves. Suggestions please.

8 years ago

Good day!

I am here to ask for some suggestions with my Calamondin.

About 3 months ago, I re-potted in some Pro-Mix cactus mix. I noticed that the growth was stunted and it was taking a long time in-between watering. Turns out I was having early symptoms of root rot.

I have since re-potted again in 5 (repti-bark) 1 (pearlite) and 1 (promix) 5 weeks ago. I am trying to let the soil dry out at least 2 inches before each watering but the leaves curl and wilt before then. I have noticed that the leaves no longer have the nice dark green color anymore. They are kind of yellow in-between the veins. Also, I have been recently been loosing a lot of leaves on the lower branches near the trunk.

Feed: Miracle-gro all purpose 24-8-16 at 50% every 4/5 waterings. pH is buffered down to 6 with vinegar (tap water is 7.5). I let at least 30% drain to waste to prevent salt buildup.

Please help me so I do not kill this beautiful tree. Would I be better off skipping the Miracle-gro and feeding regular water? I was also thinking of pruning off most of the fruit buds to conserve energy to repair the root system. Thanks for the amazing help.

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Comments (3)

Silica
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
One of the highest times for a citrus tree to drop leaves is when the tree flowers. I would not worry about over watering a tree planted in 5-1-1. If there was any cause to be concerned with a 5-1-1 medium it would be under watering. I remember a trial on the old Citrus Growers forum, where a grower watered a 5-1-1 every day for two months, and the tree did excellent. Your tree looks fine. There is a little manganese deficiency on the newest leaves, but at the deficiency level of your tree's leaves not much to worry about. The tree will probably grow out of that on it own.
myermike_1micha
8 years ago
Silica said it better than I could have. Good luck with that tree! I am a 5.1 1 user and my trees do exactly what he described..

Mike
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Alanna Migliacci
8 years ago
As some one who has battled root rot, leaf drop, and salt build up all in the past year, I also think your tree is fine. Perhaps, suffering from the winter blues...I think it will cheer up once spring rolls around.

If your tree did suffer root rot, it has less roots to take water; so the soil is taking longer to dry, but Mike and Silica are right. Be careful not to under water once it gets sunny and warm.