Citrus trees, like Lemons, Oranges, and Limes, are not only a delight to grow but also incredibly rewarding! These tropical trees can be grown both indoors and out! The broadleaf evergreen foliage is glossy, bright green, and aromatic!
So that makes it more distressing to see yellow leaves on your Citrus trees! Yellowing leaves can indicate stress, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental issues. If left untreated, it can lead to leaf drop and a less productive tree.
Read on to learn the causes of yellowing leaves in Citrus, fix the problem, or better yet - prevent it from happening in the first place!
- Common Leaf Problems Causes In Citrus Trees
- Fixing & Preventing Issues In Citrus
- How To Prevent Flower-Drop In Citrus Trees
- Happy Healthy Citrus Trees!
Fixing & Preventing Issues In Citrus
Nutrient Deficiency
Citrus trees are heavy feeders and require a balanced supply of nutrients.
- Nitrogen: Lack of Nitrogen is one of the most common causes of yellowing leaves. Older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green.
- Magnesium: Leaves may develop yellow patches, beginning at the edges.
- Iron: Younger leaves turn yellow, while veins stay green.
Overwatering or Underwatering
Citrus trees can't stand soggy roots. Too much water will lead to root rot, killing the tiny feeder roots. This prevents the plant from absorbing nutrients, causing yellowing leaves.
On the flip side, too little water can stress the tree. The leaves may turn yellow, curl, or simply drop prematurely.
Poor Drainage
It's important to choose a location that has good drainage. If you can dig a hole and see water pooling, or that area is where puddles linger after a rain, then it is not a good location for your new tree.
Either mound up your soil 18-24 inches high to raise the roots up above the pooling areas, or choose to grow your Citrus Tree in a container or planter. Just ensure that the pot has good drainage as well with a fast-draining soil medium.
Pests and Diseases
These typical pests and issues can cause some leaf drop and stress to your tree.
- Spider Mites and Aphids: These pests feed on the sap, causing leaves to yellow and weaken.
- Citrus Canker: A bacterial disease that causes yellow spots with a brown center on leaves.
Environmental Stress
- Temperature Fluctuations: Sudden changes in weather, like frost or heat waves, can cause yellowing.
- Transplant Shock: If you've recently moved your Citrus tree, the stress can lead to yellowing leaves.
Common Leaf Problems Causes In Citrus Trees
Yellowing leaves often lead to leaf drop if the issue isn't addressed quickly. Here's how to stop and prevent it:
The Right Environment
Citrus Trees are sun-loving tropical fruit plants! Those evergreen leaves need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day to stay healthy, and lush, and produce those incredible fruiting treats!
Not enough sun will cause leaf drop, leaf yellowing, and a far less vigorously growing tree that will have fewer flowers and less of a harvest.
Citrus also need a hot and humid environment does grow best. Planted in and fast-draining soil medium. Citrus also prefers slightly acidic conditions.
Prevent Nutrient Deficiencies
Regular fertilization is essential for Citrus, especially those grown in containers. Check out more info on Citrus Fertilization Here!
- Fertilize Properly: Use a Citrus-specific fertilizer rich in nitrogen, magnesium, and iron. Apply according to the label instructions and ensure even distribution around the tree's drip line.
- Epsom Salt for Magnesium: Mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and apply it to the soil.
- Iron Supplements: If you suspect an iron deficiency, use a chelated iron spray to quickly address the problem.
Proper Watering Practices
Water fluctuations stress Citrus trees and can cause leaf drop. Keep a consistent watering schedule and adjust based on weather conditions. We recommend you use the Finger Test to ensure you are watering your tree when it needs water, and not watering when it doesn't.
- Avoid Overwatering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Use a moisture meter to ensure the roots aren't waterlogged.
- Improve Drainage: If your tree is in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes. For trees planted in the ground, consider adding organic matter or sand to improve soil drainage.
- Water Deeply: Water your Citrus tree thoroughly but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Let plants dry out slightly between waterings.
- Mulch Around the Base: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree. This helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and improve soil quality.
Prevent Pests and Diseases
It's a good idea to head this issue off at the pass when bringing outdoor Citrus inside for the winter by spraying the leaves off to remove larger pests. Then, treat your plant with an insecticidal soap according to the product directions.
This will prevent bringing in any unwanted hitchhikers!
- Inspect Regularly: Look for pests on the underside of leaves or signs of damage.
- Natural Solutions: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage pests like spider mites and aphids.
- Treat Diseases: Prune infected leaves and branches. Apply a copper-based fungicide for bacterial diseases like Citrus canker.
Protect Against Environmental Stress
Address these issues promptly to prevent leaf drop, leaf yellowing, and stress!
- Frost Protection: Use a frost cloth or move potted trees indoors during cold snaps.
- Shade During Heatwaves: Provide temporary shade to protect the tree from scorching sun.
- Transplant Shock: After transplanting, water consistently and avoid fertilizing for a few weeks to let the tree adjust.
- Draft Protection: Keep Citrus away from drafty windows and doors, and away from heaters and heating vents.
- Prune Wisely: Remove dead or diseased branches to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Pruning also directs the tree's energy to healthier growth.
- Growing Indoors: When growing container Citrus indoors, provide the right environment - bright light, at least 6-8 hours of lightly filtered sun, regular water checks, and well-draining soil and containers with good drainage.
- Moving Citrus Indoors & Out: When moving Citrus indoors in the fall and back outdoors in the spring, ensure you do so gradually to acclimate the trees from indoors to out and vice versa.
Feed Regularly
Provide your Citrus tree with nutrients at least three times a year: early spring, midsummer, and early fall. This keeps the tree healthy and resilient.
How To Prevent Flower-Drop In Citrus Trees
Flower-drop in Citrus trees can be frustrating, as it directly affects fruit production!
Many of the causes are the same as reasons for leaf-drop and yellowing foliage, so identifying the causes early can help you prevent it!
Common reasons for the blossoms to fall prematurely include:
- Less sunlight
- Poor-drainage
- Wrong soil pH
- Under/Overwatering
- Nutrient imbalances
- Environmental stress
- Excess nitrogen may encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers
- Extreme temperatures or sudden weather changes
- Ensure the tree is well-watered but not waterlogged
- Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for Citrus or for acid-loving plants.
- Avoid pruning or disturbing the tree during flowering to reduce stress.
By addressing these factors, you can help your Citrus tree retain its flowers and set more fruit.
Happy Healthy Citrus Trees!
Yellowing leaves on Citrus trees can be a signal that your tree needs some attention. By identifying the cause and taking the right steps, you can restore your tree's health and keep it thriving. Regular care, proper feeding, and consistent watering practices are key to preventing yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and flower drop!
With a little effort, your Citrus tree will reward you with lush green leaves and a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits!
Happy Planting!
