For what reason would a myrtle leaf orange not grow?

8 years ago

I've had a small myrtle leaf orange for about 12 months. I have a few other citrus plants which have all exhibited growth spurts on and off, some quite large.. howerver, the myrtle leaf orange had a tiny spurt when I first got it and has been doing nothing for the last few months... in fact it has even lost a few leaves. Even during the hot summer months of last year, it did nothing. I can't figure out if Im doing something wrong. I live in Connecticut so I keep it inside now under 4 T5 lights... is there something I could be doing? Could it be too far from the light maybe? Thanks!!

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Comments (5)

johnmerr
8 years ago
For starters you could get it out of that clay/terra cotta pot; water wicks through the clay and evaporates, cooling the soil; and citrus roots do not like to grow into cool soil. In hotter climates the clay pot is sometimes beneficial; but in cooler climes like yours it is the worst type pot. Your tree looks good; so have patience. Some citrus only flush once a year, others more often.
myermike_1micha
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
From the outside of your pots I would say your soil mix is holding too many salt deposits, and that combined with a lack of good fertilizer can stunt any tree. The salt deposits kill off the tender feeder roots leaving your trees unable to take up water and fertilizers properly..Leaving your tree to constantly fight to create and renew dying ones leaving the top growth to suffer or barely grow.

I would consider a soil mix change as soon as the spring hits with a more porous mix. It will allow the salt deposits to run past the root and out the pot. It will also encourage more oxygen to the root zone needed for good top growth and a more robust root system to support new growth above.

Have you ever thought of collecting rain water and using that to water your trees once in a while?

Also, make sure your mix is not compacting, or staying wet too long between waterings)

Mike
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hobbyartisan (Saskatoon, SK Canada, 2b)
8 years ago
Yay now I have an excuse to post a pic of my chinotto sour orange- my favorite tree, isn't it darling?? Yours is super cute too!

I also got mine about a year ago and also have it under HO T5s during the winter. I would say mine has grown about a third since last year, plus it has been growing nice fruit, there are about 8 on there right now which is too many for the size of tree but I can't help myself. So excited for that one to finish ripening!

So far mine has done ok in the terra cotta but I have it up off the floor and I keep my room at 20 degrees C. Which is 68 F. I will probably pot up this summer and switch out of the clay since so many pros advocate against it.

Growing this tree has given me confidence that citrus do in fact like small pots. So that makes me think that perhaps yours just has a tiny root ball and so it is using its energy to fill its pot, then it will start to grow on top.

I would say your mix looks a bit wet and heavy though. Mine seems to like being quite dry.

Enjoy!
myermike_1micha
8 years ago
You know, I have always wanted one of these and can't seem to ever find one..I love the looks of yours Hobby..Shows there is hope,,Clay is fine if the temps are kept nice and warm..In fact, better off since they are so permeable and allow much air exchange even though the walls!
hobbyartisan (Saskatoon, SK Canada, 2b)
8 years ago
Thanks Mike, I think this variety is a cold weather fave so maybe harder to source in the US, I got it from a hobbyist in BC not a commercial grower, and it was obvious he doted on it when it arrived. I better see what else he has for sale this year!

Intuitively I think you guys are right about the clay though, whenever I feel the pots they are very cold to the touch. I decided to go clay as a beginner so I could visually see how wet the pot was. Once I switch my mix this summer I will probably go plastic. But then again if it ain't broke... decisions decisions!

For what reason would a myrtle leaf orange not grow?

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johnmerr

myermike_1micha

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