Orange Tree Dropping Leaves

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by FromASeed, Dec 5, 2011.

  1. FromASeed

    FromASeed Member

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    Location:
    Kitchener, Ontario Canada
    Hello UBC Forum members.

    I am from Southwestern Ontario.
    In February 2010 I purchas a box of oranges from a Florida Orange Grower that runs trucks of citrus to Ontario to sell direct to the public.

    In one of the large navel oranges I found a seed.
    I proceeded to try to germinate it the way I learned in public school years ago.

    To my surprise, the seed actually started to sprout.
    Since then I planted and and have been watching my small orange tree grow.

    I now have a tree about 15" tall with several branches, and at least 3 dozen leaves.
    I have had an impossibly difficult time getting any usable info on growing this tree from people in the business. Are these people threatened by someone out of their area growing an orange tree?

    In the last week my tree has dropped 4 leaves. The leaves dropped while still green.
    Is this a normal occurance due to it's age?

    I am forced to grow this tree indoors due to climate and I live in an apartment without a balcony.
    I am aware that I have many years before I may see fruit on this tree, if ever. But I would like to do everything possible to help it along.

    Can any one help with my leaf dropping question or any other hints on making this little citrus tree thrive.

    Thanks... FromASeed
     
  2. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Location:
    Vancouver BC Canada
    This is the second winter for the tree. I assume you did not have a problem last year. So what is different this time around? Did the tree spend any time outside? Are the petioles still attached to the leaves that were shed? (Missing petioles is a sign of stress.) Which part of the tree were they from?

    Cultural guidelines in a nutshell:
    • Provide a spot with high light exposure, usually a south facing window.
    • Typical indoor temperatures without the extremes is normally acceptable. Avoid drafty locations.
    • Use a porous medium that is quick to drain yet retains enough moisture. Do not use an over-sized container.
    • Water not on a schedule but only when the medium is somewhat on the dry side.
    • Feed regularly with a fertilizer containing micronutrients. One with an NPK ratio of 5-1-3 is recommended.
    • Pruning is generally not recommended, especially for seed grown trees since it delays or prevents the tree from maturing. However it may be difficult to avoid because of the size of citrus trees.
    You may want to go through past postings in the Citrus forum. You'll find much information on how to grow citrus in containers. If you catch the citrus bug, consider buying a cultivated variety to grow. Commercial offerings are ready to flower and bear fruit.
     

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