Weird root behavior - Ask Extension
I repeated my myers lemon tree two years ago. Yet it was acting like it was root bound. When I recently tried to report it again. I saw the roots had...
Knowledgebase
Weird root behavior #864463
Asked April 14, 2024, 10:55 AM EDT
I repeated my myers lemon tree two years ago. Yet it was acting like it was root bound. When I recently tried to report it again. I saw the roots had never gone down into the new soil. I thoroughly saturate the soil in the pot when I hand water it. Why would the roots not go deep?
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for reaching out. Citrus are shallow-rooters. Most of the roots grow close to the surface. You could try repotting into a new shallow container that is wider than it is deep. That would allow to roots to spread out further.
These roots don't look healthy, with some root sloughing and dark areas. Root rot may be involved, too. Make sure not to overwater so the roots aren't sitting in wet soil. If the plant doesn't bounce back, then it may be that the roots are too damaged.
Here's general info on growing citrus that you might find helpful: https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/growing-citrus-indoors
Take a look and let me know what questions you have.
These roots don't look healthy, with some root sloughing and dark areas. Root rot may be involved, too. Make sure not to overwater so the roots aren't sitting in wet soil. If the plant doesn't bounce back, then it may be that the roots are too damaged.
Here's general info on growing citrus that you might find helpful: https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/growing-citrus-indoors
Take a look and let me know what questions you have.
Thank you that was very helpful I did not know they were shallow rooters.
I will try your idea now i'm on the lookout for the right pot
At this point would you advise that I'd use a bisque pot....fungal root issues etc
Are you going to try rehabbing this tree or starting over? It may be difficult for this one to recover, but always worth a shot.
Citrus don't like to be waterlogged, but they do like the soil to be evenly moist. If it's in a place where you can keep an eye on it and water as needed, a terracotta pot is fine. But it will dry out quickly. A glazed pot might be a better option.
Citrus don't like to be waterlogged, but they do like the soil to be evenly moist. If it's in a place where you can keep an eye on it and water as needed, a terracotta pot is fine. But it will dry out quickly. A glazed pot might be a better option.
The tree actually looks pretty good and has some lovely ripe lemons on it
The new leaves are showing chlorosis. But I realize that the PH is off. And I will adjust that as soon as the quick acting sulphur arrives.
I just could not figure out why the roots would not go deeper into the pot.
It acted like it needed water repeatedly. It's turgor pressure looked down. And that's why I thought I needed to repot it yet again.
I suspect the water isn't moving through the root boll correctly for some reason.
I suspect I'll need to water it with a saucer. Surrounds and what it's set for an hour and then drain it. I've had some hydrophilic soil here before. I wonder if that's what it is planted in.
I am aware of what a bisque pot will do. That's why I asked if it would be a good idea. I have used them for anything that's persnickety about not being overwatered.
Thank you for your time.
