This is my first post, I am novice at best. I have an Orange Tree that I received for my birthday. We repotted in a larger pot a few months ago and about a month after it has steadily lost leaves, they are green when they fall off. It has two oranges growing and they still seem to be doing ok. I water it a few times a week. (I usually check the soil first) We pulled it out of the pot recently and it came out solid, the roots seem to have filled the pot well. The tree is on our apt balcony (northern facing) it does not get any direct sunlight. Is this Ok? We live in Phoenix, AZ.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Here is a photo of the tree:

...north facing is no good. It will need more light, east would be good, though I have grown south facing and north-est with success.

...Set up a good feeding schedule, citrus are greeeedy feeders. Ge something with a higher nitrogen percentage.

...Check very carefully for bugs.

...Do not water so often unless the soil is drying out. Citrus hate being wet all the time, it will kill them. I don't know what you weather is like there, but if the soil is not drying out between waterings, do not water. If its really hot and the soil does dry out, thats ok :)

...That potting mix does not look very free-draining. Make sure it is extremely free-draining or the tree might suffer. Do a google search for citrus potting medium to learn more.

Just to follow up... I pulled the tree out to examine the roots. It looks like I have been overwatering, they were a dark yellow / light brown. They aren't firm. I changed some of the dirt out and mixed it with a cactus soil to help it drain better. Leaves are still falling off. Is it to late to save this tree?

Thanks in advance

Matt

Good thing it doesn't get direct sunlight right now!

Be careful not to overwater while it's recovering, too. The roots won't be sucking much out until they start growing again.

Good luck, hopefully you got to it in time.

Do I need to cut out the old roots or just leave it and let it recover?

"Be careful not to overwater while it's recovering" which was an awsome point, please don't miss it..

Then, to see the roots recover quickly, make sure when you pot it, to put in an open, loose, airy well draining soiless mix. The looser the soil, and the faster draining it is, the more likely you will avoid future root rot problems and let your roots breathe as soon as possible. Good air exchange and quicker drying out of mix, if you do so..Your roots will thank you for it!
You want your soiless mix to dry out at least every couple of days. For some here, that is still to long to wait..For some, to much of a hassel to HAVE to water so frequently.
Your plants will LOVE you for this too..lol

Remember, the first most important thing is, the soiless mix you'll be using, then everything will follow to your benefit..:-)

Happy growing and I hope everything goes well..

On the question of cutting out the old roots... If you can just tease the healthy roots out and into the new soil, it is probably less risky. If you see large masses of dead roots you can remove them, but the more fussing around you do the riskier it is (you may be damaging the healthy ones).

"Starting to cool off... in the low 100s"
ROFLMAO!

You can revisit this situation in the winter when it really HAS cooled off, and remove more dead stuff and add more fresh potting mix. Be conservative now.

Ask your female friends for dry-cleaner bags.

It sounds like you already have....You are alot brighter than you think!

You cut back on the watering without being told...It is in slow recovery, and will probably be ok..

Very proud of you...Please, keep us updated...

Mal, how did your tree do?

Mike..:-)