A neighbor decided they no longer wanted their small, potted lemon tree - they have had it for 30 years (!) and rather than have them throw it away, I decided to take it. It was fine - seemed healthy, responded to watering - great. But then I want on a 3-week trip ... I gave it quite a bit of water before I left - at least double what I normally give it every 3-4 days. When I came back, all the leaves were dry and shriveled (although not completely shriveled). But strangely, all the leaves are still totally green, and they are not falling off - even when I shake the tree they do not fall off. However, I have given it quite a bit of water and it has not improved at all. The leaves are still fairly shriveled, hard to the touch, and still very green. Should I let it go, or is it possible to salvage the tree ? thanks.
Make a firm little scratch on the trunk - it's there's green underneath, it's alive, otherwise too bad. When leaves stay on a tree after they've died, it's not a good sign. But continuing to water now would not really help either.
Ok, I opened up a little slice and ... it's not bright green or anything, but after looking for a bit I decided that there _is_ green under there... So now what ? Again, the leaves are not brown or falling off - they are still green - just hard. And not falling off. I have never given the plant anything but water, and continue to do so now ... anything else I should add besides water ? Also, should I attempt to prune it (the idea being that there is less of the tree for the tree to have to support) ? thanks.
anyone ? Prune it ? It hasn't changed at all. It seems to be taking up water, but all the leaves are still all attached firmly, green, and very hard/rigid.
Don't prune it until you see new growth, and stop watering it unless the soil is dry at least 2-3 inches deep. Any chance the damage was done by freezing while you were gone?
When citrus die from lack of water, the leaves just shrivel up, and dont fall off. My guess if you scratched the bark and didnt notice moist green flesh underneath, it is completely dead. Such a shame for an old tree : /
Joesh, Sounds to me like you did see green underneath the bark. What's the latest report on the tree. Any tiny leaves sprouting? By the way, if you need to check for green again, continue to check lower on the trunk, until you get to the graft. There is always a chance until you don't see any green down to the graft. Hoping for a good report.
