Citrus > Citrus General Discussion

Very bad potted citrus year

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1rainman:
My potted citrus are doing fine. The heat doesn't seem to bother them though they can dry out very quickly in heat which is why I add clay to the soil so it holds water longer. I just use potting soil but there is clay and sand added to it and mulch on top. Which yeah also need mulch to keep it from drying in the hot weather. Could be some disease like HLB. I have mine in the shade and with nets around them.

W.:
I've started adding more sand to my citrus mixes. I also companion plant my container citrus with various houseplants, such as basket plant. My mom had some extra pieces that had broken off one of her plants. I placed some in one of my Moro blood oranges on a whim. Both the basket plant and the orange exploded with growth. Now, my citrus are all mostly filled with various heirloom houseplants. Because a basket plant (and the other houseplants I got from her) can soak up any amount of extra water, I have heavily reduced the possibility of my citrus getting wet feet. My citrus also aren't showing any nutrient deficiencies from this experiment, even though I have barely fertilized them in the past year due to my busy schedule. The jury is still out on my companion planting experiment, but I definitely like what I've seen the past couple of years.

BP:

--- Quote from: W. on August 24, 2025, 08:41:31 PM ---I've started adding more sand to my citrus mixes. I also companion plant my container citrus with various houseplants, such as basket plant. My mom had some extra pieces that had broken off one of her plants. I placed some in one of my Moro blood oranges on a whim. Both the basket plant and the orange exploded with growth. Now, my citrus are all mostly filled with various heirloom houseplants. Because a basket plant (and the other houseplants I got from her) can soak up any amount of extra water, I have heavily reduced the possibility of my citrus getting wet feet. My citrus also aren't showing any nutrient deficiencies from this experiment, even though I have barely fertilized them in the past year due to my busy schedule. The jury is still out on my companion planting experiment, but I definitely like what I've seen the past couple of years.

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Amazing timing for me, Ive been waffling over planting in my citrus containers some brassica seeds I saved that grow really well here in the winter. Also considering legumes or clover as those are better nitrogen fixers. I couldnt figure out if they would help deal with water levels (I already have great drainage though) as well as help insulate below and above ground. My worry is they wouldnt be dormant at all. Anyone have any thoughts? My main reason for doing it would be to help keep the citrus a little warmer by having other plants by it, and Id probably cut or transplant out the companions in the spring

SoCal2warm:

--- Quote from: Alippincott on August 20, 2025, 10:37:15 AM ---I would guess the issue is the soil. I have made the change to avoid organic matter in my soils
...
My citrus are in basically rocky soil with decomposed granite, pummice and other stuffs like sand. I might have put some peat moss in.

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I want to point out that the type of soil that should be used for potted citrus probably differs very much depending on what part of the country you are in.
On the U.S. West Coast, you want rich soil that will retain moisture well. On the East Coast, you want soil that can drain well and not result in too much moisture build up or waterlogging.

In climates with hotter summers, it's possible the plants are getting too much full sun. This can create water stress on them, and the roots may not be as capable of providing the larger volumes of water due to the more limited root space in containers. This should not be taken to imply that the solution is just to give the plants more water, since that can cause problems.

Eric101:

--- Quote from: fishie on August 21, 2025, 12:21:21 PM ---Yup, the potting soil from Gary was a game changer for me as well! Have hundreds of plants growing in it now. I am curious, though, how did they do well for 10 years and just start doing bad now? Have you root pruned and changed the soil out in the past?

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Yes, I have once or twice but then in early spring.  Things have really not gotten better but everything is alive still.  Might repot done f the worst looking of the lot so they can at least go inside with new, well draining soil.   Will check out Gary - thanks for tip.

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