Spike fertilizers are generally avoided....

What type of soil mix are you using, and how long does it stay moist?
When was the last time you re-potted this tree, and what size container is it in?

Josh

Actually, I think after reading through the forum I have figured out what happened. I had to move it to a different pot before I moved it because the old pot's drain pan broke and the water would run out on the carpet. I think the new pot isn't draining good enough and water is just standing in the bottom of the pot. so I think I just need a new pot that drains properly.

Okay, what about the other questions I asked?

Josh

I don't know what type of soil. Just what it was in when I bought it 10 years ago I just used potting soil to fill in when I had to put it in a larger pot about 7 years ago. I never had any problems with it except when I moved it from Houston, TX to Lexington, KY about 4 years ago. I think that was just from adjusting to the new climate. It has been doing good for the most part. I've had some trouble with scale bugs in the past, but I've been using some type of organic oil and it has been working very well. They have completely cleared up on the orange tree and are about gone on the lemon tree. The soil stays moist on top I'd say for a day or so on top, but I've never checked the bottom. I really didn't know much about citrus care until I started reading posts in this forum. I guess I've been lucky up to this point. I'm pretty sure it's the new pot though. I bought it in the spring and it sat out all summer and every time it rained I'd have to dump the water out of the pot. It wouldn't drain on its own. As for the fertilizer spikes, the trees seem to love them. Every time I use them I get lots of new growth as well as lots of blooms and fruit, but if there is something better I will try that.

Am I understanding correctly...the tree hasn't been repotted for 10 years,
and hasn't been potted up for 7 years? If so, that's a long time for a container
plant to go between repottings. Are the roots congested?

Josh

It was put in a larger pot about 6 or 7 years ago. This year I had to put it in a new pot because the drain pan on the old pot broke and the water was draining out on our carpet. I put in in a new pot that was either the same size or slightly bigger. I didn't see any root congestion when I switched pots this year. Even if it did, I can not put it in a larger pot. My house is small, and with the other non-citrus trees we have to bring in also, we just don't have room for anything bigger. In the spring I cut the trees back to try to make them more bushy and less tall, and it has not been a problem. When I bought them I lived in Houston, TX, and If I had stayed there I would have ended up planting them in the ground and let them grow like they want to. However, I met my soul mate in Kentucky and we got married so I have to keep them potted so I can bring them inside in the winter until I have enough extra money to build some type of greenhouse. I have had the trees in Kentucky for about 4 years so far, and I have never had anything like this happen. I really believe that it is that new pot. It really doesn't drain like people on this forum say that citrus trees need to grow properly. If I can find a nursery open this time of year in our area I will get a new pot and some proper soil and repot it again. If not I'm going to have to wait till spring so I can get a pot from wal-mart, tractor supply, ect. At this time of year it is next to impossible to find any gardening supplies around here.

Ah, I see.

Here's the thing. If you prune the roots every few years, you can keep the tree in the same pot.
Just like a bonsai. After four years in the same mix, one should expect root-congestion. If not,
it means that the tree is not as vital as it should be....or it could indicate that the roots have
been going through a cycle of growth and death.

The next issue is that re-potting would be best in late Spring....but if you think the tree will
die before then, by all means do an emergency re-potting.

One method to increase drainage in a crappy soil or container is to stuff a wick -
a synthetic fiber like a strand from a mop is great - up through a drainhole. Elevate the
container so that the wick dangles below. This will "trick" the water into thinking that the
bottom of the container is lower than it is, and the exess water will drain from the mix. You don't
want the wick to touch anything below, however, as the water will also travel back up.

This is simply a temporary method to eliminate perched water in a mix.
Nothing takes the place of a properly made, free-draining, durable, and porous potting mix.

Josh

Thanks for your help. I have been with my wife in the hospital for the past 7 days. She's ok. She had a football sized tumor growing in her abdomen. I have actually been neglecting my trees since she went in the hospital. I think it has helped. The tree has lots of new shoots on it. I think i should just water less until spring. Then I will find a better pot and replant it. Use some better soil also. Thanks for your help.

I wish your wife a speedy recovery!

Josh

I also wish your wife a speedy recovery.

Thanks Josh for the reminders and terrific suggestions.

Mike:-)

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife.

I hope all is well with you and your family...

Your tree will do better after you take care of you dear wife... Then you can take care of the other lady!!!

Take care,

Laura

HI MIKE & JOSH!!! : )

Hey Laura!

So good to see you stop in. How is little 'Rosa' doing these days?

I left you a message the other day and I hope you got it.

Mom says hello and to stay warm.

Hi Josh!

Mike