Alas, another stunning example of what a pH sensitive tree looks like when grown in Broward soil.
Mine looked like that for many years. Here's what I did to correct the problem:
- Give it some pelletized sulfur once every 12 - 18 months. This will help drop the pH
- Give it micronutrients. I use an awesome product distributed by Helena Chemical that is a 0-0-6 with boatloads of iron (> 10%) and other micronutrients. I'm not sure what is available from the big box stores.. but look for a good micronutrient package.
- Remove what looks like cement and / or asphalt from the tree. Those will contribute to the high pH
Bonus points:
- Make sure that it's watered frequently during the dry season. I have mine on drip irrigation every 2 days.
- Give it a slow release nitrogen. I use a product that is nearly 100% slow release nitrogen. You may need to lean on chicken manure or Black Kow to get a good slow release nitrogen from the big box stores
It can take a couple of years for the tree to fully green up. The change is gradual.
Jaboticaba are salt sensitive, so stay away from giving it too much water soluble nitrogen. Jaboticaba, especially the red / precocious variety, are averse to high pH soil, which is what we have in abundance in most of Broward. The fortunate bit is that you can correct it with a good fertilization regimen. And, jaboticaba are "sentinel" trees -- if you can get your jabo to green up, you now have a routine for adequately feeding anything else that you will grow in your yard.
On the bright side, you probably have a more than adequate supply of calcium in your soil, which is one of the most important macronutrients.
