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chinitasaurus

SOS- Lemon Tree!

6 years ago

Help! Calling on all the citrus experts!

Background: My indoor potted lemon tree has been outdoors since spring. Currently, we’re in the midst of a heatwave (zone 7b). It’s in full sun from 12-sundown. It mainly receives rainwater, with Foliage Pro-water when it’s not raining.

2 weeks ago, I noticed some chlorosis and shrunken/warped growth on a bunch of leaves and trimmed them off. Not all leaves presented the same way. Fearing it was nutrient deficient and low on soil, I added a few inches of a blend of Ocean Forest potting mix + earthworm castings + perlite. I took a soil pH test and it was 6-6.5 at that time.

There’s been constant and new growth, but I’m still noticing the chlorosis. I’m monitoring the newer leaves closely and they look ok so far, except for that one larger leaf.

What is going on? Should I be pruning these affected leaves off? I couldn’t tell exactly if this is a Mn or Zn issue? Too low/high pH? Sunburn? HLB (don’t think so)? Pests? Too much fertilizer? And how do I remedy this issue?

P.S. leaves look sticky and dusty because of neem + pollen.

Thank you so much! 🍋 🙏🏼

Comments (11)

  • 6 years ago

    More pics, some of new growth

  • 6 years ago

    Mimi Just following. I don't know

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    The answer to your question, is that there is nothing wrong with your tree,. What you see is not chlorosis, it is normal coloration for new growth.. The new growth on a citrus tree always has the coloration as shown in your photo. The new leaves will slowly turn to a dark green as the leaves mature.

  • 6 years ago

    I know the new growth starts out as lighter green, but the darker and more mature/stunted leaves remain spotted. Is that still normal?

  • 6 years ago

    From your picture I still don't see anything wrong with your tree.

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks, I’ll keep monitoring. I’m just concerned because I’ve never noticed the spotting before and some of my leaves have remained very small with the spots, albeit turning to a darker green color. And a number of larger leaves exhibit it too. Also, I’m noticing some curling in the lower older leaves, and a couple of new leafs are double the size of the older ones.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Cheers,

    One of the main actions of nitrogen is increasing chlorophyll production; this is done by creating bigger leaf structures with larger surface areas for more photosynthesis. EXCESS nitrogen fuels fast foliage growth and oversized leaves. Indoors leaves may grow larger because the plant is trying to capture more sunlight.

    The shrunken warped growth is caused by damage to the outer edges of the leaf. The inner portions of leaf continue to grow and this causes the warping. Nothing to worry about. It happens a lot indoors under grow lights and in direct sun. If you look at the second photograph you can see a tear in the leaf which has caused growth to compensate for the nick. Really nothing to be worried about.

    Indoors it is usually dry and this causes spider mites to flourish. Could have been previous damage by mites. Doesn't look like a pathogen.

    The last photograph where you have a few yellow dots looks like maybe sun damage.

    Leaf curl can be a way for the plant to reduce photosynthesis and conserve water..

    If you can put something between the deck and pot so the pot doesn't heat up that would be great. Overall your citrus looks healthy.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    After reading LLO's post I looked at Chinit... container, and seen it was white. A good color for growing citrus during the sunny summer months.

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you! I really appreciate all the insight

  • 6 years ago

    Healthy young tree


  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Echo Silica.


    With very few exceptions, citrus is NOT an ornamental. You will have / see many variations / defects on the leaves.