How to Cure Wilted Orange Plants

How to Cure Wilted Orange Plants

Orange plants (Citrus sinensis) may wilt from a lot of water, too little water or if they are contaminated by insects. The most frequent pest is citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella). Over-watering is most frequently found in orange crops grown in containers, although the other conditions could impact all orange plants and trees. To heal wilted orange crops, you have to first determine the cause of the wilting and then take steps to reverse the problem.

Push your finger into the top inch of the ground to test it. If it’s wet, do not water. The top inch of soil ought to be allowed to dry out before you water again, according to the Texas A&M; Agrilife Extension. If the soil is very wet and the plant is growing in a container, consider removing it from the container, letting the roots dry out a little and re-planting it in fresh, new potting soil. Soil-borne fungi that thrive in too wet conditions cause root rot, therefore giving the plant fresh, fungi-free soil can heal the wilting.

Slowly water the plant until the soil is moist. If the soil is dry to a depth of more than one inch or so, the orange plant may not be getting sufficient water. If the plant grows in a container, water till the container drains freely. When the water stops draining, then empty the water-catch tray instantly. If the plant is left to sit in standing water, root rot may occur.

Check for insect pests. If you are growing the orange plant indoors, it may suffer from spider mites, scale or another pest. Because the insects suck and chew on the leaves, the leaves may shrivel up and wilt. Take the tree outdoors and spray it with a insecticide. Citrus leafminers most frequently attack outdoor trees and can severely damage even big orange trees. Parasitic wasps are the best treatment against citrus leafminers, as stated by the University of California.

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