Hi Mario..What exactly is a #5? What's its size?
When you repotted to larger pots, did the citrus have roots? If not, this can be the problem..
I don't want to mention names, but there are 2 nurseries that have been shipping plants w/o roots..both are listed on Gardenwatchdog.
Repotting should be done gradually..I wish I knew what #5 stood for, its size..citrus shouldn't be planted more than 2 sizes larger than current pot. Too large a container and the soil, especially if it retains moisture, will take forever to dry.
Did you use Pumice or Perlite? I've never used Pumice so don't know its advantages or disadvantages, but Perlite helps w/draining purposes. In fact, most ppl mix Perlite in cactus and succulents soil for this reason.
If they were my trees, I'd unpot one just to see if it has roots, check to see if they're healthy. Underpot a bit, if you feel container is too large..Also, use a well-draining mix such as all purpose soil, builder's sand and perlite. The chips should help w/drainage too.
When you water, does water sit atop soil or sink? If water lingers, your soil is too heavy.
Mario, why did the supplier notify you to ask about draining? Unless you are friends w/this person that would make me suspicious..then again, I'm suspicious by nature..lol..but most growers do NOT contact a customer. If you find there aren't any roots, I'd ask for new trees or get my money back..Toni

Toni, I emailed first to ask what soil they recomend and they repied to me about adding the cedar chips. I purchased the plants at a store and they have roots. The guy at nursery said pumice stays in place better than perlite. They look the same but pumice seems to be heavier more like little rocks. The trees are all fourwind trees and they were very quick to respond about soil which I thought was cool. I am just pissed because my uncle in Italy has lemon trees in pots that are beautiful and I seem to kill them all. I thought I had it licked with the super draining soil I mixed but it still seems to take a long time to dry. I think the problem is too big of pots although I did down pot the lime. I have a lisbon lemon in the ground in the same area as the potted trees and it is flourishing with new growth, flowers and fruit. Maybe I should be more patient and wait and see if my soil mix works.

Hi Mario...Did you ever hear of a show called Victory Gardens? It used to be on weekly, they travelled all over the world..During one show they visited Italy..Oh, the citrus were amazing..as were the huge Olive trees..Yes, I can understand you comparing your plants w/your uncles..LOL..

So, what is the #5 pot? What's its diameter?
BTW, what state do you live in? Are u in a warm climate? I'd imagine so if you have a citrus growing in the ground.

I'm not a 4Winds lover..lol..sorry, Mario and folks who like their plants..I had the worse luck w/their trees..For one thing, I ordered several yrs ago..what they sent me were 4 small, bare root trees..I realize they did this to save on shipping expenses, but leaves were wilted, and plants were super expensive..I think they improved shipping since I ordered..also, because of the expense, I ordered 1 yr old trees, not 3 yrs..
Before the canker came about, I only ordered from Briteleaf, Harris, and occassionally Acorn Springs. Can't go wrong w/a citrus 15-20.00 standing 3 1/2' tall.

Mario, there's numerous threads here on GW discussing soils..Well-draining soil is very important..2nd to sunlight.
I checked out 4winds site, and they suggest redwood shavings..Did you know redwood and cedar come from different trees? Did u ask customer service if cedar would work?
I hope your plants do well, Mario..Toni

Anyway, Mario, if you feel your trees are overpotted, perhaps you should decrease pot size..

Toni, I am in calif. and they are getting a lot of sun. The #5 pots are 5 gallon thin plastic nursery pots. The labels say 3.5 gal. because they are only potted 3/4 of the way full. Yes customer service suggested cedar because of the pest repeling. I am going to leave the oro blanco and satsuma in these small pots for a year. My main concern is the lime that I did pot down with the soil that has wood chips and pumice and seems to drain fast but still doesnt seem to drink. It is puting out what looks like buds but no new leaf growth. I did just pot down maybe 2weeks ago so i will give it time. As for olives I have 3 in ground on a hillside and they are thriving. They seem easy compared to potted citrus

Hi Mario..5 gallon is pretty big, but it depends on roots, too..have you checked roots? Is it potbound?
I guess they pot in 3/5 for shipping purposes..it's less expensive..You can add more soil atop the old if you're keeping citrus in the same pots..use a well draining medium.
When you say you're leaving the Oro and Satsuma in small pots, are you talking about the 5 gallons pots? That should be sufficient as long as the plants aren't overly rootbound.
Some citrus seem to stop growing, especially when the tree is sending out flower buds..I notice my citrus either stop putting out new foliage when budding..
Does 4winds fertilize citrus at the nursery? If you don't know, you should call/email and ask if they do..If not, maybe a dossage of citrus fertiizer will speed things up..as long as there is space for roots to grow, bright light, citrus should be okay.
Also, when a plant is newly potted, they seem to stop growing..I believe roots need to fill pot first, then you should see new leaves.
Mario, Olives may be easy for you since you're in CA, plus they're growing outside, but here in IL it's a chore..My tree, can only be set outside during summer months..or once it gets warmer..at least 50. Also, I'm sure it doesn't grow nearly as fast as yours. What type of fertilizer do you use on Olive trees? I'm still confused which to use. Well, good luck w/your citrus, give them a chance to adapt..4winds has info on their site..have you read it? They discuss what should and shouldn't be done once you get their trees.,.Toni

Hi Toni, 4winds does use fert. in their nursery. I did start them all on a citrus fert. program the first of the month, which is about 3 weeks after I got the new ones (oro blanco and satsuma) and repotted the lime. I think time will tell. I will keep you posted. As for my olives. They are all (3) in ground on hillsided with rocky soil. They love it. I think they are like grapes that don't like good soil just good drainage. I fert. them about 2-3 times a year with an all purpose 10-10-10 that a gardener that takes care of a neighbors house recommended. He said to use it on the citrus too but I don't anymore. Although my in ground citrus improved quite a bit when I started using that on them originally but I think it was just better than what I had been giving them which was nothing. I am truly blessed to live here in the s.f. bay area. We have such nice weather. That is why I can't believe I have had such problems with potted citrus. My dad down the street has no luck either but he won't believe me when I tell him what I have read about over potting and over watering. It has been super hot for here the last 3-4 days so maybe the heat will kick start my citrus. I bought some pvc today and am going to make a colapsable mini winter shelter for my potted citrus. Like a mini carport. I want to be ready and give them all the help they need.
talk to you soon.\,
mario