Hi, I have read many articles but ultimately, I am a plant dummy. Something is attacking my young orange tree and I think also my keylime. I was trying to be organic and only used the organic neem oil and supersoap. But fact is, ISK what the problem is to treat it. I read your articles and while it coukd be many things, Idk what it is. Please advise.
Reminds me pf a citrus leafminer infestation. Try not to over-fertilize. More info:
Hello! We planted this little orange tree a few months back. While its trunk is getting thicker, the growth seems stunted, and I’ve noticed some purplish coloring along the base. Could this be root rot? If so, what can we do to treat it and keep our little tree healthy?
It could be, but it looks like the tree was not planted deep enough. The crown is exposed, which can cause issues. I would mulch, and feed with a citrus fertilizer to stave off any diseases in the soil.
Here are some articles that will help you with citrus care:
how to prep the soil? We've read that the oozing fungus is most likely in the soil, a consequence of over-watering or lack of drainage. We don't want to make the same mistake with a new tree. We cut the tree down on Dec. 1. We plan to plant a new tree, probably a lemon tree, in the spring. How do we prep the soil for the new tree? Do we just let it lay fallow? Water it? Remove a lot of the soil and add potting soil? Add compost? Thank you.
I wonder if your tree had cytospora canker? It causes an orange or amber oozing, but is caused by an airborne fungus that gains entry though wounds. Completely removing the tree was the best solution to prevent fungal spores from gaining entry into other trees. Since you aren't sure exactly what the tree died of, it wouldn't hurt to remove some of the soil like you suggested and replace it with topsoil mixed with compost. If you aren't in a hurry to plant you can alternately sterilize the soil by solarization. Cover the area with clear plastic and weigh the edges down with bricks. It's best done in the hottest part of summer and leave the plastic on for about 8 weeks.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/weeping-amber-in-trees.htm
HOW SHOULD I GROW ORANGE TREE IN CONTAINER
These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/orange-tree-container-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/growing-citrus-trees-indoors.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/tip-on-water-requirements-for-citrus-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/pruning-orange-trees.htm
Your tree is stressed from insects, fungal disease, old age, or environmental problems. Was the good side shading out the dying side? If so, prune to keep the canopy open.
Here are some causes and your options:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-is-dead-on-one-side.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-limb-dieback.htm
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs141
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-tree-pruning.htm
I have had a potted dwarf orange tree for 20 years. It goes outside late spring and all summer.It produces healthy green leaves but it has never bloomed. What am I doing wrong?
With container grown citrus, the most common reason for lack of flowering will be a combination of a few factors.
Lack of lighting, improper watering, and improper N-P-K ratio will be the big trifecta, here. Typically it is a combination of all three, and this is especially true when they spend some of their time, indoors.
If you are not using a fertilizer that it made for citrus, then you can opt to blend your own. Just be sure to cut back on the nitrogen during the time it needs to flower. The focus should be on potassium and phosphorus, as well as the micro and trace nutrients. Though, citrus fertilizers make it much easier, since they are already blended for them.
Lighting should be bright. Window lighting will not be enough. I find that a fixture of, at least, 200 watts of horticultural grade lighting will suffice. The more the better (and the more you can fit under your light).
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/no-fruit-on-orange-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/growing-citrus-trees-indoors.htm
Last year my Orange tree put out meaty, sweet, juicy grapefruit size. This year they are Mandarin size and on the sour size. So What happened and what can I do.
This can be mitigated by checking soil nutrition and pH, periodically. Amend as necessary.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm