Potted Key Lime Tree - Nutrient Deficiency?
Hi folks,
I'm fairly new to the world of citrus and container growing. I purchased this key lime tree from the clearance section a year and a half ago. When I got it, it had two cracked main branches. I assume something fell on it. I was able to repair the branches, and it's health improved so well last year, it gave me about 30 or so limes.
My new concerns are several. Firstly, I think it will soon be in need of re-potting this spring. If so, what type of soil mix should I use? Also, should I remove as much of the old soil as possible, or just place the whole root ball in a bigger pot?
Second, it has already put out a LOT of new growth this January and I have found 3 leaves that have stared to discolor. I have read soooo much information in forums all over the web trying to figure out the proper fertilizer regimen, but have finally posted here as a cry for help. I am boggled down with too much contradicting advise and feel as though I am running out of time.
To date, I have not fertilized since October based on some advise given to me last year. According to that same advise, I can't fertilize again until may. This seems not correct to me however, because common sense tells me that if it is putting out a lot of new growth and flowers, it will soon start to deplete itself. The fertilizer I was told to use is Rite Green Citrus 4-6-8. I put just a teaspoon or so spread out on the surface of the soil.
In addition, I feel as though I may have been watering a little too much this winter and have cut back by a few days until it warms up here in Orlando.
If I can figure out how to put a photo on here, I will include some.
Thank you in advance for all of your kind help. This seems like a great gardening community. If anyone needs help with bonsai, I can certainly contribute.
Additional Info:
- This tree stays on my covered front porch year around, but has ample light
- I live in Orlando, Florida
- I use rain water when possible for watering, and untreated well water if no rain water is available
- I do not prune just for the sake of pruning
- I take the tree in during the night if temps fall below 42 degrees.
Comments (7)
Heather
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Dwarf Potted Key Lime
Comments (6)John is right! You can get fruit on cuttings with ease. I make cuttings all the time and will get fruit even on a 4 inch high cutting. In fact, in some cases, I much more prefer cuttings for potted citrus. It will fruit in less time than that if you give it what John suggests. Mike...See MoreI am having trouble keeping Key Lime tree in the pot
Comments (12)Hi Jan, cindeea, and Barb, I see that all three of you live in zone 10. I can't imagine why you don't have your limes in the ground. Two and a half years ago I gave my son, who lives in Cape Coral, a Key Lime seedling that is so large now that he said it is just loaded with fruit. Because I live in zone 9a, I have to protect mine and have it growing as an understory plant under an oak tree . Even in a colder area it is still better to grow it in the ground and protect it from freezes when necessary. I also have a 1 1/2 year old variegated pink lemon tree in the ground in a less protected area and it is growing just fine even without cold protection. That one surprised me about being more cold tolerant that what the tag said. So, the "secret" is to plant it in the ground--then just watch it grow!...See MoreKey Lime Potted Tree help
Comments (4)TIA, there is an excellent method developed by American universities for checking the EC and PH in a case like yours. It is the Pour Thru method. It is not destructive, easy and accurate enough, specially for checking PH. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/floriculture/hils/HIL590.pdf https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R6OzTerLzlo For checking PH, you can use PH strips, are cheap and accurate. You can find it in ebay or laboratory suppliers. Buy strips up to PH 9 or so. One important thing about Pour Thru method, when you are first watering for soil saturation, no matter how much water you apply. But one hour later, for collecting leachate for checking, you have to apply just water to collect 50 ml, no more water!! Or you will dilute the leachate and will alterate the result. Remind, just a leachate of 50 ml!! When collecting leachate, try to elevate the container from the saucer. The bottom of container can have accumulated salts which can alterate the result. You can use two piece of wood or plastic for separting the container from the saucer....See MoreBought Meyer lemon and key lime in same pot?
Comments (13)Agreed....use a bucket and spray if necessary. As Susanne said, plant them as deeply as they were before. You should be able to tell from the trunk. It is scary, I know, but if you don't do it, one or both will eventually die. I separated mine this summer and they are both fine. Make sure after you replant them, you put them in a more shaded location and water perhaps a bit more frequently at first than regularly. I found my limequat suffered the most and became limp more quickly than the meyer. I watered it more. It is blooming now. Good luck and let us know how it goes!...See MoreHeather
8 years agoHeather
8 years agoHeather
8 years ago
poncirusguy6b452xx