Container Size limit for Citron/Lemon
MattByc
10 years ago
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mksmth zone 7a Tulsa Oklahoma
10 years agocitrange2
10 years agoRelated Discussions
Root pruning containers - 15 gallon size
Comments (9)granburyflowergirl: Without trying to discourage you, if your goal is to create a container for the purpose of root pruning (via passive exposure to air), it is not easy. If your goal is to achieve added aeration in the container and hope it provides *some* root pruning behavior, you shouldn't be disappointed. Either way, by all means make your own. It's always cool to see someone design their own and you may even improve existing products. You may already understand the info below. If so, I apologize if you're offended by the unsolicited advice and my presumptions. But I took the time to share what I learned to also help RainyGarden with her own research (and future lurkers who may read the thread). In the moderate amount of research I did, I found that even existing RPC product manufacturers had/have trouble nailing down a successful design. This is b/c roots, as with most life, will attempt to avoid undesirable living conditions. The method of passive air RPC's is to allow root growth toward the container edge whereupon exposure to air causes root tip die-back, encouraging root sub-branching behind it. This not only encourages a more fibrous root ball, but attempts to avoid the natural behavior of excessive root elongation and eventual girdling. Cutting holes and slits into existing containers have proven to not work well (if at all). The roots will turn to avoid the exposure points. As long as there is ample space in the medium, the vast majority will turn or circle back and stay within it before being pruned. RainyGarden: This is partly why jumping from a 5 gallon to 15 gallon RPC container provides no root pruning benefit until much later in the plant's life. You can help by fanning out all the roots horizontally when re-potting, but the same major limitation will apply. There are other reasons it doesn't work well, but many surround this idea. Ideally where you could invest the time and dollars, you'd incrementally increase RPC size only when a pot-up was necessary, just like a standard container. I was hopeful for breathable fabric containers, since the roots would be exposed to air on all sides including corners and seams. But my initial experience is proving somewhat discouraging since a root check revealed several roots behaved normally and elongated right down the side of the fabric container! This is not to say fabric containers are not completely ineffective (several roots *were* trapped in the fabric holes successfully and this was just an early checkpoint). I am only sharing this to exemplify how difficult passive air root pruning is (and ultimately why you shouldn't rely on any container for all your root pruning needs). I am fairly certain the key to ARPC success lies within the method of forcing root exposure long enough to allow die-back to occur. Various innovative methods are required to "trap or trick" the roots, hence manufacturers approach it differently. Millet, a respected citrus expert (who is around here now and then but contributes at the Citrus Growers Forum) uses one of Rootmaker brands ARPC products and claims their design is effective, but also warns to be most effective the citrus trees should be started in them while young and incrementally up-sized. But I believe one could place existing trees in them if certain steps were taken to to organize roots, trim the longest, and place in the correct sized container (usually smaller than one typically chooses with standard containers). I do not know how Millet defines success when evaluating it, but much like with Tapla/Al, I would give him the benefit of the doubt. I've only heard a comments from Al in the past about fabric containers, and it wasn't positive. Not sure what his input is on the variety of products out there. A bit of history reveals a simple early method developed by Whitcomb in the 70s used a simple milk carton with the bottom completely exposed to air but over mesh. Although his research focused on tap roots, the tall slender container still works today to guide all the roots downward and trap in a specific sized mesh. Although tall slender containers for maturing trees have some drawbacks, I've heard it is supposedly becoming standard for ARPC's used in seedling and early growth....See MoreYoung Citron trees - leaf curling - need diagnosis!
Comments (23)tzvi, I see from your first post you're in NJ perhaps? I wanted you to see what CLM actually looks like. Here are two very good photos: And this one you can actually see the CLM larva at the end of the tunnel: The tunnels are the giveaway, and very, very obvious. No guessing with CLM :-) At this time of year, I would suspect aphids. They appear usually in the early spring and will cause leaf curl. So will psyllids too, though. So, that is a little disconcerting. But, your bug photo doesn't look like a psyllid to me. When they're attached to a leaf, they are very easy to identify because they point the ends of their abdomens up in the air. And, you can see how a photo looks embedded in a message. Much easier for an old fogie like me to be able to check out and answer :-) I would check out your state's cooperative extension web site, and look up agricultural pests to see if you can match up the image of your bug to something there. Or better yet, send it off to a coop extension agent to ID for you. In any case, I would say an insecticidal soap should kill the offenders. If you want to resort to an insecticide, imdicloprid will probably also be affective, but it's always best to get a confirmed ID if you can, so you can use the least toxic method to eradicate the pest without harming our beneficial insects or yourself. Patty S....See Morelight green or yellowing leaf pattern on citron plant
Comments (21)Hey gg24, I have to agree with Al and Mike. They both have never given bad advice. I am 32 years old. i have been growing tropicals since I was a teenager. I kind of just thru my self in and all i can say is I really developed a passion frow growing these citrus trees. I have read some really good books and just studied up on it. It amazes and frustrates me that these trees are so particular about there needs. You are definetly in good hands here! I want to direct this next comment to Tomcitrus, since I have been coming to this forum, I have recieved nothing but encouragment and good sound advice. There were times when I had my doubts but sometimes you just have to open yours ears and listen. My trees have done nothing but flourih. Mike has shown me pictures every time he has tired something new. When him and Al have learned a new technique or they have tried a new fertilizer, they come here and tell every one here just for the purpose of helping our knowledge grow and grow. The only satis faction they get, is not with there selves but with us US people who come here to share and learn. Not to put anyone down or try and deliberately be malicious and hurtfull. I am not here to judge you, but to just let you know that us members are a great bunch of people. We all are respectfull and helpfull as a hole. We all inspire us and encourage us. We also come here and proudly post our pictures. All I am asking for is that you try and redirect your negative opinions to something else. Not here! It really has hurt, and most of all offended most of us. Some people don't want to speak up, but I will let you know that this place should be a positive place! Andrew...See MoreRules of Thumb for Citrus Container Sizing?
Comments (33)After many years of watching the redwoods grow and make me ever more claustrophobic, a very smart arborist asked me what i wanted.... redwoods or landscape - "you cannot have both" . By that time the roots had caused over $40k of damage. It was an easy decision. Redwoods are nice in a forest and as a deck. They are NOT appropriate for any residential area. They are junk trees in a landscape that are stupidly planted for quick privacy without regard to long term size ( 150 to 300 ft) and certainly without regard to neighbors. I have many 20 ft and taller red tipped photinia that are providing privacy and the citrus is rapidly adding to the privacy. If you have redwoods get rid of them now. Your neighbors will like you better. !...See Moreponcirusguy6b452xx
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mksmth zone 7a Tulsa Oklahoma