I recently purchased a Satsuma, Owari – DWARF Orange tree from a citrus nursery. Its about 36” tall. I repotted it in a new container with 5-1-1 medium. 5 parts small bark – 1 part perlite – 1 part potting soil. I did not break the root ball up when I removed it from the shipping container it came in. I placed it in the center of the pot and packed the 5-1-1 underneath, around and on top. It seems that the outer edge of the pot get dryer quicker than the center with the root ball. I have a moisture meter and the center near the stock is showing moist and the outer edges always read dry a day or two after watering. I don’t want to over water it so I am struggling to find a happy middle of the road. Any insight appreciated. The other question I have is the tree has been in its new container now for about 5 weeks. I have only had about three leaves drop since repotting. I think this could have been because of the shipping. How long will it take before I see some new growth? Hopefully not until next spring. I have a grow light on it for 14 hours a day currently. Looking for some growth to assure me its alive and well. Thanks in Advance!
Welcome to the Forums. The abrupt interface between the rootball and the new medium hinders the exchange of moisture between the two. I suggest repotting the tree. Loosen the rootball around its perimeter, removing some of the old medium, then work the new medium into the rootball in the process of repotting. Give it time to settle in and develop new roots into the new medium. I wouldn't be concerned about not seeing new growth as long as the tree is healthy.
Other thoughts: If the tree is already established at the proper level, do not plant it deeper by adding more medium on top. Retire the moisture meter and use the weight of the container to gauge the amount of moisture in the medium. Get a feel for the weight after a thorough watering then water again only when it feels relatively light. If the container is too heavy to lift then tip it on end.
The tree looks healthy, I would not worry too much. New growth starts when it is right time. Probably in just a few weeks.
