Dear Sara, Though I have only had my fruit tree for a few months, I have experienced the joy and disappointment on care for .......a PLANT! Don't know why, but want this one to do well. I too had this sticky white stuff. Here in Seattle, I keep my plant 50% of the time indoors, and 50% out on my southern exposed deck. After reading and inspection, I have discovered that my plant has scale, a type of bug infestation that can present. These insects are very small (my the size of a small bead) and they feed off the plant. They look like small pill (potato) bugs and move very slowly. Subsequently, their poo is the white, sticky substance that is deposited on the stems and undersides of leaves. I read this material can attract other insects (ants) but is not toxic for pets. I was able to catch it early, and washed the plant well. Then, I sprayed it with a combination of Neem oil and diswashing liquid solution (you can buy various preparations) and after a couple of days, washed again. Upon further inspection, I only saw 1 bug that I happily squished!! Must periodically inspect and occasionally wash. I don't know if that is what you're experiencing, but if so, it is much easier to treat when infestation is new (vs established). Good Luck!!

Thank you Steve!! This is very helpful and I will do so ASAP!

From the pic it looks like the wilted leaves are on one side. Is that so? It could be a case of too much light along with cool soil. Just a thought. It has a name too - winter leaf drop. Although, in my case I notice it more in late spring when I start taking my plants outside.

It looks beautiful to me. Not every tree grows the same nor every worker prunes as well as they should. Your tree will probably bloom next year, but don't expect a lot of fruit. The tree will only hold onto what it can naturally. Fertilizing every month will may get you one or two. Remove the ties that came with the tree and see if the tree can stay up on its own. If not, retie it a bit looser so the tie does not dig into the stem. Congrats on your first tree.