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Yellow splotchy orange tree leaves. #314051

Asked April 17, 2016, 3:37 PM EDT

Someone got me an orange tree Wednesday, and when I got it I noticed the leaves looked very unhealthy. It's a small tree under 2 feet. I asked around and someone said it was most likely nitrogen deficiency. I got some jobes indoor plant food spikes and put 4 in the 8" pot on Saturday. The spikes are 13-4-5 so they are mostly nitrogen. It's Sunday now and it's look a like my tree may have lost more green to its leaves. Do you agree that it looks like nitrogen deficiency, and if so how long should I expect to see a real improvement. And is there anything else I can do to help my tree?                     The first two pictures are from friday when I repoted it, and it's inside. The third picture is today-sunday, and it's in a green house.



Clark County Indiana

Expert Response

It looks like your tree has several somewhat serious problems.

Nitrogen deficiency causes lower leaves to turn yellow first. The tree is probably low on nitrogen. A liquid houseplant fertilizer is better than the spikes, since fertilizer dissolves very slowly from those, and it does not move laterally.

The leaves are also showing interveinal chlorosis, probably due to a deficiency of iron or manganese, which would be unavailable to the plant if the soil pH is too high. Added peat moss in the soil mix could help, along with spraying the foliage with a chelated iron spray. Do not add lime to the soil mix.

You may also have some insect problems, such as leafminers, aphids or scale (a common problem on citrus). A systemic insecticide soil drench registered for use on houseplants would be an option, but if you can't find that, an insecticide soap may help control some insects. Check label to be sure the product you buy can be safely used on citrus. If the plant continues going downhill, you may be better just starting over by purchasing a healthy plant, but first, get the unhealthy plant out of the room where the new plant will be located.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 22, 2016, 8:59 AM EDT

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