Lemon seedling. Help!

Discussion in 'Citrus' started by Titus, Apr 5, 2019.

  1. Titus

    Titus New Member

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    This seedling isn't growing at all. Just staying nice and green but it's starting to look kind of sick. Wondering if anybody knew what's going on.
     

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  2. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    The wilting leaves, wet soil, and a container (cup) that appears to be sitting in water suggests the seedling is suffering from root rot. Allow the soil to dry somewhat before watering. Place the seedling in a spot where it will receive much light, behind a south- or west-facing window.
     
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  3. SoCal2warm

    SoCal2warm Active Member

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    The problem was the soil moisture level. It's not as easy as a simple too much or too little water.

    The soil should not be allowed to become completely dried out for too long (maybe 24 to 36 hours) but at the same time if the soil becomes excessively moist it will eventually lead to root rot. This can happen over the course of just a few days. The soil moisture level needs to be kept consistently within a narrow range, not too dry and completely parched, but at the same time not too wet and waterlogged. Very small seedlings need just a little bit more moisture in the soil when they're first starting out, but soon become sensitive to root rot, so when the seedling is about 1 inch high I would make sure to stop watering it for a few days to give the moisture level in the soil a chance to go down a little bit.

    I can tell from the soil in that picture that the soil was probably overwatered and then allowed to dry out. Once that happens there's not much you can do, it will take the seedling a while to recover even if you maintain optimal conditions. The seedling is probably going to be set back 3 weeks now. Keep the soil level within a narrow range, and allow it to go a little more on the dry side every few days. Dry but not parched. Water consistently, every 2 or 3 days, but only give a tiny amount of water so the soil does not become too wet. Under normal conditions it can be a good idea to cover it in plastic to keep the humidity in so you don't need to water it as frequently, but once root rot becomes evident (as in your picture) higher humidity is not a good idea.
     
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