| I've been given 2 mexican lime trees. Unfortunately it looks like they've pretty much been neglected (leaves wilted,trunk brownish). I'm not the kind of person who gives up easily on plants, but I think I need some help w/these. Should I start with replanting? |
| I'm assuming you are growing them in pots. Repot into a larger pot with drainage holes. Try to keep the root ball intact, but if roots have circled around themselves, you need to gently pull them apart and spread them out into the new soil. If it's really root bound, you may need to cut through them with a sharp knife. Otherwise, they'll just continue to wrap around and eventually the plant will die. Use a good quality potting soil with excellent drainage. The root ball should be planted at the same level as in the old pot (in other words, not deeper or higher). Keep the soil consistently moist, but not wet, for the next month or so to help prevent transplant shock. Don't fertilize for a month (also to help the plant get established without being forced to grow). Then apply a balanced fertilizer according to package instructions. Citrus use alot of nitrogen, so get your plant on a feeding program. If possible, find a fertilizer formulated for citrus or fruit trees. Citrus will take full sun. Citrus requires regular watering. Water slowly and deeply when the top inch of soil dries out. I hope this info helps! (Citrus are frost-tender, so move indoors if frost is forecast. Place the plant in a sunny location, but not so close to a window that it will burn, or receive cold drafts.) |
