In-ground Cara Cara trouble

10 years ago

Hey folks,

I have a Cara Cara planted in February that is not doing so well. It was pretty dingy upon arrival from the nursery, but really hasn't had much (any?) growth in the past 5/6 months and is now showing some other issues.

It has developed, over the past month or two, yellowing and even some burning on some of the upper leaves. I live on a barrier island in FL where sprinkler water is rather salty, but I've made sure to block the sprinklers that would hit the tree and surrounding area with plastic guards.

I've fertilized the tree lightly a few times with Jobe's Citrus fertilizer (before I learned about proper NPK ratios from you guys :) ) and have done a few sporadic foliar diluted fish oil sprays. Watering deeply on an as-needed basis, about once a week with the rain we've been getting lately. The tree gets sunlight for the first 3/4 of the day then is in partial shade.

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!

Comments (4)

andj6
Original Author
10 years ago
Another pic, of most of the tree--apologies that the photos are a little washed out.
poncirusguy6b452xx
10 years ago
Do you know what rootstock it is on. Some rootstocks resist salt. Even if you mare protecting the tree from sprinkler, you would be surprised how much water still gets through. Otherwize it's a very attractive tree.
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andj6
Original Author
10 years ago
Pon,

Couldn't tell you for sure what rootstock it is on. It's from a pretty big citrus nursery located in FL that many people here on the forum seem to order from. Does the burning/yellowing seem like it is from excessive salt to you? Think it will have a serious long term effect on the tree?

Thanks!
poncirusguy6b452xx
10 years ago
I live in Cincinnasti, OH and am new to citrus and in pots as it is required. I can't help you on salt but i can help on issues that may elude you but be semi obvious to me. Since the water is salty you may have to flush many gallons of salt free water through the soil to clean it. You could use a raised bed with a few yards of salt free soil. Make sure your water source does not pass through a water softener 'salt' The tree may need a good flushing to clear up excessive fertilizer build up. If you contact the nursery you purchased your tree from, they may be able to guide you

This is otherwise out of my knowledge range. See if others more knowledge respond.

Good luck