Hello, I have a potted Kiwi tree on my terrace. Early in the spring it begins to grow beautiful green leaves and then flowers. By the beginning of summer, however, the leaves have all turned brown. Last year I thought the problem was caused by too much sun so I moved the plant (support and all) to the other side of the terrace which has a little less sun (but still most of the day). But this year I have the same problem. I water the plant once a week and use fertilizer early in the spring and again in the fall. Any suggestions would be most welcome. Thank you. Saleve
Hello Ron, No bugs, no minerals. The plant continues to grow, but the leaves are dry-looking and brownish. I have attached a photo. Could this be normal? Thanks for you help!
A Hellish mite infestation, as expected due to presumably rather hot and sheltered location (and timing of damage). They are there, in numbers, but tiny. Try a hand lens.
Hello Ron, It must have already been infested when I bought it last spring as this already happened last year. Do you have any suggestions? I don't want to use chemicals. I have been using savon noir on my garden plants and it works quite well. Or should I just throw out the kiwi before the mites spread to the rest of the plants on my terrace? Thank you and regards, Diane
Hello Ron, I am pleased to tell you that the mites are nearly gone! Of course, the kiwi tree looks like it's been through the war. Hopefully it will bounce back next spring. Thank you again for your diagnosis. Regards, Saleve
