I have a newly planted Meyer lemon tree. The new leaves are curling and are coated in what appears to be a thin transparent wax. If I bend the leaf, the "wax" flakes. What is it and how to fix?
I'm a citrus newbie, but so far I've read in various forums that leaf curling is usually from overwatering or transplant shock. I just got a key lime a few days ago and its leaves are doing the "taco shell" thing after the transplant. I've no clue about the wax - a spray on cosmetic enhancement or pesticide residue maybe?
Nemotode, the "wax" coating is probably an anti-desiccant compound that was applied by the nursery. Anti-desiccants help plants retain moisture with a "breathing membrane." It deposits a very thin polymer film that allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through, yet holds in valuable moisture to prolong plant life under stress conditions. Curling leaves are more or less common on newly plant citrus trees. Good luck to you and to this tree. - Millet
I should have been clearer. The problem is only on new leaves that have emerged since planting. Some are curling up, some down. A few have spider-web-like stuff inside the curl. No sign of insects or scale otherwise.
.........A few have spider-web-like stuff........... Have you checked for spider mites? You will need a lense, unless you know the leaf symptoms. Also actual spiders utilize citrus leaves as a "nest" by putting webbing in curled leaves. I kill all spider mite infestations, but normally leave the actual spider sites alone. My trees are in a large greenhouse, and spiders are beneficial insects for greenhouse. Lastly, fresh new, and young leaves, have a much higher transpiration rate than do old mature leaves, Therefore, they tend to "curl" to a greater extent than older leaves. - Millet
It could also be citrus leaf miners-- there s not really any webbing associated with them, but there is a clear epidermis of the leaf that often flakes off and they do leave a trail. If there is webbing, you could have both CLM and spider mites. Spider mites often leave many small yellow specks on the leaves where they have sucked out the juices.
