Any advice as to how to care for a potted Valencia orange tree about One and a half years old? We are experiencing extremely hot weather.
There is quite a bit to know about caring for a citrus in container. Because of the heat, you will want to reduce the amount of sun that it gets by putting it in the shade during the hottest portion of the day. Extra watering may be needed, as well.
I will let these articles explain in detail:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/orange-tree-container-care.htm
Yes, you can prune a potted naval orange tree before bringing it inside for the winter. Trim away any dead or overgrown branches to promote healthy growth. Once indoors, place the tree near a sunny window, ideally receiving 8 hours of sunlight daily. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering. Maintain a consistent indoor temperature between 55-70°F (13-21°C) and consider using a humidifier, as indoor heating can dry the air. Fertilize sparingly during the winter, and monitor for pests. Pruning and these simple care steps will help your potted naval orange tree thrive during the colder months indoors.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/navel-orange.htm
Orange tree leaves are curling,the look like the underside of the leaves have little light brown spots. I know their not crawling bugs. Leaves are also dropping.
Your tree could be getting too much sun and not enough water. Curled leaves are also caused by insects, disease, and other environmental conditions. This article should help pinpoint the problem:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/leaf-curl-in-orange-trees.htm
i also have an orange tree near another calamundin tree but the leaves seem to be very large i was wondering if you had any idea as to what causes that?the oranges seem to be on the sour side as well is it possible that the calamundin tree affecting the orange?
If you have added anything to them recently, then it might be responding well to the treatment. If it was stressed and just now recovering, then this would indicate healthy growth. The same happens with my indoor citrus after having to cure a round of spider mites. Once it recovers it will start to grow much larger growth.
As for the bitterness- There are several causes to consider. If they cross pollinated, then this years fruit will not be affected. This will only show up in then next generation after starting new seeds from one of the parents. What could be happening, though, is usually environmental. This can indicate pH issues or nutrient needs, as well as soil quality problems. Sometimes specific cultivars can be more bitter.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/calamondins/growing-calamondin-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/growing-an-orange-tree.htm
Good morning. I saw your great post about Watersprouts. I planted a small Ruby Orange tree from a pot into my back yard a few months ago. Recently there was a Root stock sucker growing and I cut it off. Also was a branch above the graft that grew very rapidly and straight up. It seemed suspicious, like a watersprout, so I removed that also. A week later about 15 or more branches are growing out of the full length of the trunk above the graft. Pics attached. How can I tell if these are watersprouts or normal good branches? Do I have to wait till they get larger to see how they grow? Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.
They are water sprouts on the tree. You wouldn't want branches that low. Go ahead and pinch those off. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-tree-pruning.htm
I grew an orange tree from seed it is over 5 ft and only 2 branches, should I trim it back? I'm in Florida, North though, since I am short, it's pretty even though you said probably won't get fruit! I can hope!
Yes, cutting the top back will encourage side branches. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/heading-cuts-in-pruning.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/growing-an-orange-tree.htm
My Orange tree this year suffered BLACK SOOTY MOLD and after I managed to rid the tree of that, owing tothe extreme heat the tree then developed Mould After surviving THAT it was then attacked by White Fly and although Ants were eating the eggs I sprayed the tree with an Agricultural Soap and Neem Oil but surprisingly the problem remained so I tried a specific insecticide to deal with Whitefly and this worked.
You will need to check the label of the insecticide you used. It says something like fruit and citrus insect control. It should say whether it is safe for edibles or if you must wait a certain length of time before consuming the edible.
If it was an insecticidal soap you will be Ok to consume the oranges.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/fegen/fruit-tree-spraying.htm