Green leaves falling off orange tree

16 years ago

I'm new to the forum, although I tried searching up this problem but couldn't find anything similar enough.

During the summer, my orange tree was doing very well. It had many flowers and growing oranges.

But it started getting really cold (the beginning of winter!) and so we brought it into the garage. We left it there for quite a while and then brought it into the house when the snow came.

It's been two weeks since we brought it in, and it seemed very healthy until I brought it in. I watered it maybe once. The orange tree seems to be shedding all of its leaves, dropping all of its oranges and there are no more flowers. Branches are turning brown as well. The leaves that are shed are completely green. If you touch the tree a bit, it will drop many leaves...

I've taken some photos to show you a before and after because it is quite dramatic. I'm not sure what to do. I tried checking the roots but they seem strong and white (and not rotting). The soil is slightly damp.

Here are some photos.

This is it before (in August)

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This is it now

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Close up of leaves

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Some green branches that have lost all leaves (some of the branches have already turned brown though)

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A look at the soil roots

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A shot from above (you can see all the leaves that have fallen off in the background)

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Can we still save the tree? It's been with me ever since I was very young!

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Comments (3)

birdsnblooms
16 years ago
Hi Kajun..how cold did it get in the garage before bringing your tree in the house?
Did you leave your tree in the garage, then bring inside after the snow came in previous years?
It's hard to tell by the pic, but the leaves look frost-bitten..When a plant has frost damage, foliage turns a gray/black color. That is, before turning crispy/crunchy.
For now, (if it's not freezing) take the tree outside, shake/remove all dead leaves..They won't resume health. If it's really cold out, shake plant over a trash bag.
Set in the brightest spot, since soil is moist, don't water. If you use Superthrive, apply 10 drops per gallon of water, but for the time being, refrain using fertilizers. Only when soil is dry, looks crumbly, should you water..
Supply humidity..Do you have a humiidfer? If so, run it. Spraying foliage daily will help w/humidity and keep leaves clean.
Your orange was beautiful, Kajun..Since the roots are healthy, I truly believe, given time, new leaves will form..But patience is important..this isn't something that will occur overnight. As the days lenghten, baby leaves will sprout.
Only after your tree looks like it's returned to life, and it's the proper time, fertilize with a Citrus fertilizer..or whatever you normally use.
The important thing is, (since your tree is probably in shock) not to overwater. I'd also really consider using Superthrive. Good luck, Toni
florida_wannabe
16 years ago
Put it out in the garage and forget about it. Then check it in March. It looks like it dried out due to the heat in your house from your furnace. Orange trees need HUMIDITY to live. The dry warm air in your house will dry out the leaves and they will drop.
If your garage gets to about mid 40's and humid, THATS PERFECT! But do NOT water it.
Even if the temps get down to the 30's, you should be OK as long as it doesn't go below freezing level.
I leave mine in the garage in zone 5 (Kansas) and allow the melting snow off the vehicle to add humidity to the air.
I had the EXACT same problem as you, but since I did this last year, I now have 7-8 Valencia oranges that will ready in 2 months.
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seabreeze512_gmail_com
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my orange tree is about ten years and has provided good fruit over the years. it is on regular watering twice a
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Green leaves falling off orange tree

Comments (3)

birdsnblooms

florida_wannabe

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