View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
mullenium
Joined: 01 Apr 2010 Posts: 192
|
Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 10:51 am Post subject: Overwatering can stunt growth? |
|
|
Can over watering a citrus tree stunt its growth?
I bought a tangelo from costco last year at the same time i bought my trovita orange from home depot or lowes (cant remember)
The trovita has at least doubled in size, but the costco tangelo hasn't grown at all! and the leaves have fallen off for the most part.. only a handful of leaves are remaining.
But both trees were on the same drip irrigation.. the only difference I can see is that the trovita was planted by the landscape guys who installed my granite gravel in the back.. I think they just planted it into the native dirt, and the costco tangelo was planted by me with composting mulch (kellogs N'Rich) used to back fill the hole i planted it in. Which I've used to backfill all of my other fruit trees to success.
Could that compost be the reason it hasnt grown and looks sickly? Maybe citrus dont like to be planted in 100% compost.. I know my mango's seem to like it, but it hasnt really been long enough to tell... Im wondering if I should dig it up and just plant it back in with more native clay soil.
or maybe the drainage could be an issue? the hole I dug out for it never seemed to have as good as drainage as my other trees |
|
Back to top |
|
|
phoenixtropicals Site Admin
Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 1207 Location: Mesa Arizona
|
Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 6:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I think you have figured it out. The 100% compost keeps it too wet. However, I wouldn't recommend transplanting it because as weak as it is it will probably die. I would do the following. First, make sure you only water it once a week in the summer. If you can't do that on the drip you'll need to take it off it for now and water by hand. Second, paint all the exposed wood with white latex paint mixed 50% with water. Try not to paint the leaves. If your tree is as bare as it sounds, sunburn will be a real problem for it this summer. Smaller branches can just be painted using your fingers. Do not fertilize it with anything. Fertilizer is a death sentence for a sick tree. Good luck!
By the way, the compost will eventually break down and be mixed with the regular soil naturally. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|