I was reading about muscadines and found a reference to Jaboticaba. At first I did a double-take, because the webpage was describing what muscadines tasted like and said they tasted more like a Jaboticaba fruit than a regular grape. I looked further and realized the website was for Austrailian gardeners. Then I thought, "What is a Jaboticaba?" and searched for the word. The first thing I saw was a picture that showed the fruit stuck to the trunk of the tree rather than on the tips of the branches, which really peaked my interest. After reading about the Jaboticaba on wikipedia, I immediately went to google shopping, because I had to have one if at all possible. I found an Amazon merchant, Hirt's Gardens, that had them for $15, so I ordered it. The tree is small but darling. Since I live in Zone 7, I may never get it to bear fruit, but it will make a great looking houseplant during the winter for years to come. It can provide company for my ficus tree that I've had for 30 years. The place where I ordered it, sells them for Bonsai growers. It would make a great Bonsai because it has tiny leaves the size of my fingernail. From what I've read, they grow very slowly and make great Bonsai specimens. I'm planning to let it grow as fast as I an get it to grow by keeping it outdoors until frost and then bring it indoors for the winter. My tree from Amazon/Hirt's Gardens is a small leaf variety of Myrciaria Cauliflora. It's funny that the Latin name is "Cauliflora", because when they bear fruit, they remind me of Brussels Sprouts. The one I got is actually prettier than the picture they have online. It is about 9 inches tall and really bushy. They had it pruned to look like a little oak tree or something. How much has yours grown in the past year? I got mine about 2 weeks ago, and it has already put on a new set of leaves over most of the top. It has about 2 inches of fresh new growth this season. Here is a link that might be useful: Jaboticaba Fruit Tree Plant - Bonsai or Houseplant

Hi Orchidcrazy.. Since you said you've had the same problems w/your citrus two yrs in a row, I don't think humidity/temps are 'all' that's bothering you're plants. If you suspect mites, the best thing to do is rid them.. Since I don't believe in 'chemical' insecticides, I use around-the-house items...Fill a mister bottle 3/4's of water..room temp (warm) Add, 2-4 drops of dish soap..(I don't use Dawn, but some ppl swear by it) In addition to dish soap I also add, ground garlic and citrus rind. Fill w/a little more water and shake. Spray plants, thoroughly.. BTW, do you see webbing? If so, moisten paper towel w/rubbing alcohol and ripe away webbs..that outta kill the suckers. I started using this formula many years ago and have to say, 98% of my plants, are mite free.. Living in Il, keeping plants, especially citrus, gardenia, hibsicus, and a few other tropicals are a major job..it gets quite dry here..Dry air and wet soil are mite and other insect magnets. Including fungus gnats. Be sure soil dries before giving that extra drink of water. Good luck w/your new gh..Toni

Howdy Inportugal. Pink mites? LOL..Never heard of the pink version.. Are they only in saucer or on leaves too? How about soil? Any found in or on top? The best way to tell if your soil is well-draining is, while watering, water should seep into dish..if it sits, soil is too heavy. I think pots run in even numbers so you might have a 12 or 14". You can measure diameter, across one side to other w/measuring tape. To be honest, if it were my tree, I'd unpot the whole plant, toss out soil, use a clean pot, add fresh well-draining soil..Water thoroughly, until water seeps into saucer. Then place in bright light gradually setting in direct sun. Is your tree outside or house? If you summer outdoors that'd be great. I see you're in z10, so your tree should do wonderful. I wish I lived in your zone..(S) Did you find citrus fertilizer? It's difficult locating where I live, so I have to order online. Oh I wanted to mention, there are many reasons leaves yellow..Insects, overwatering, underwatering. Inspect the entire plant for insects..look for bumps, white cottony patches, webbing..Mites are hard to spot, at least until they build webbs. One way to check is place a white sheet of paper under plant, tap leaves. If mites are present, you'll see little specks on white paper. You may need a magnifying glass to detect them, depending on your eyesite. Do you feel the tree was unhealthy when you purchased it? If so, can you return it? Did you buy locally? or online? Another way to check soil is by either using a watering guage or what I mostly do is stick finger in soil, (as deep as my finger goes) If soil feels wet I wait a few days and recheck..If dry then water. Clay pots work well, but when new pots are used they should be soaked for an hour..otherwise clay absorbs water. Was your pot new? I wish you luck, and if you have anymore questions ask away..or keep us posted on your progress..Toni

Your tree look very nicely shaped. I am going to guess that spider mites are attacking your tree. You can use a spray nozzle set on jet to spay the whole tree to blast them off. It would be safe to use a systemic insecticide on your tree since it will no produce any fruit for years. I too have seed grown citrus (sweetlee tangerine) trees. I got the seeds from a fruit bought in a Lancaster PA farm store. Check out my link to see and click any thumbnail to enlarge. Steve Here is a link that might be useful: https://plus.google.com/photos/111099372377958308731/albums/5961857381151877457?banner=pwa