Probably just transplant shock; continue to treat it properly and it will recover.

Looks like typical spider mite damage, although I can't actually see any in your photo.
Check undersides of leaves - even with a magnifying lens - for any of these tiny insects.
If you think they are present, use an oil spray or buy a chemical miticide to get rid of them.

Yep, leaves look stippled as with Spider Mite damage.

Is this plant in a container, or in the ground?

Josh

Spider mite damage. Was this tree from Durling Nursery by chance? I see you're zone 23 like me, so wondering if you're in the San Diego or Orange County area? Durling trees sometimes have issues with spider mites. I've often purchased trees with the leftover symptoms, but no active infestation. They treat their trees with Merit, which eliminates Citrus Leafminer, but ends up promoting red citrus mite. But do check underneath the leaves for microscopic red mites and their teeny webs. Neem oil will get rid of them, as well as a miticide. And, don't amend your hole when you plant. If you're on clay, simply plant your citrus on a mound to improve drainage. Amending the hole just ends up with a "bathtub" effect. You're better off top-dressing your trees with compost, then mulch.

Patty S.

I'm in Orange County. For the tree at green thumb.

Three was in a container, but is now in the ground. Thanks for all your help.

I third the spider mite opinion.

mike

Probably from Durlings, then. Just examine the underside of your leaves carefully for spider mites. Treat if necessary. Here is a link showing how to identify spider mites on citrus: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/C107/m107bpmites.html

And, the link below is how to treat for spider mites.

Patty S.

Here is a link that might be useful: UC IPM: Citrus Red Mite

I'm in Orange County. For the tree at green thumb.

Three was in a container, but is now in the ground. Thanks for all your help.

What is your plan of action, Ahajmano?

Josh

Wow, thanks to this post, now I know what happened to my lime tree, which I grew from seed.

I wash the leaf with water and somehow all those spider mites disappear. I hope they dont come back in the future.

I'm going to break out my neem oil and spray pump, but in the meantime the weather is rainy. Need to wait for the tree to dry off first.

Will he foliage recover on its own, or will it lose its leaves?

The stippling is permanent, unfortunately.
But in time the tree will replace those blemished leaves.

Josh