Dwarf Orange transplanting; 3rd Time

6 years ago

So, the dwarf orange I've had for a number of years has yet to really thrive.

With all the attention I've given it; It has delivered 3 oranges.

It had a terrific bloom in Spring and then repeated its perpetual dropping of all the young budlets (is that a word?) and then has die back at that spot. After considering all the issues, I've narrowed the issue to clay subsoil as the problem. TBH, I could still be wrong with this notion. The root system just isn't as prolific, as it ought to be.

So, sure enough I dug down and discovered quite a lot of clay about 2 feet down, and while the root ball didn't reveal issues, my diagnosis/guess is the only answer I've got. Appears for now that the tree withstood the move, as there is no evidence of shock I can see.

With the great help of this forum, the Bearss Lime is now performing well.

Granted, there's a bit of grasshopper damage, but I still have high hopes

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Comments (5)

norwoodn
6 years ago
what about a small raised bed/box to plant your tree in? fill with well draining soil mix.
Ken "Fruity Paws" (N-Va 7a)
6 years ago
What root stock is that on? Some do not do well in clay. There are plenty of places that commercially grow citrus in heavy soil. Also, since you're right beside a building (can't tell if that is painted stucco or cement), you may have chemical leeching from the walls. A extension service soil test might help you there.
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leafnose
Original Author
6 years ago
Not so informed about the root stock, and the lime is producing so well next to it that I have doubts about chemical influences on the tree. Tree remains stable after moving, so hope to see new growth on this baby soon !! Thanks for the feedback
Silica
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Citrus are swallow rooted plants. Almost the entire feeding roots are in the top 24 inches of the soil. Therefore, if the clay layer is deeper than this the tree should do fine. There could possibly be a drainage consideration because the beneath clay layer, but my guess two feet of top soil should be ok, especially since your Bearss Lime is growing next to the dwarf orange is doing fine. Your dwarf orange tree is still a very small tree, and will have a natural tendency to drop many of the little fruitlets. As the tree grows this reduction of fruit will gradually decrease. If you keep digging up the tree its growth will be hindered.
leafnose
Original Author
6 years ago
Appreciate the comment, Jodi. The first foot or so soil was fine here, but lower then that was decomposing granite, and clay type conditions. Agree, can't keep up this kind of aggressive pattern with the the tree.