Help me figure out what's going on with this mandarin tree?

[clkingtx]

Yes, that should be fine. Remove any rootstock growth and make sure your watering practices are spot on. I had similar problems for a year with my citrus, I think I would alternate between being too wet, and too dry. The problem with overwatering is that the roots rot, then the plant seems like it isn't getting enough water. It took me a while to find the right balance. I think the recommendation is to wait to water till the soil is dry 2 knuckles below the surface.(when you stick your finger down into the soil)
Carrie

[Worth1]

I dont water mine in the back yard until just before the leaves droop.
Most from laziness.
Worth

[TexasTycoon]

Oh I know my watering practices are terrible. Hopefully now that I have so much growing I'll be more attentive (though my jalapenos have taken well to the neglect ). I need to remulch, too, that mulch I bought last year was AWFUL. I think it was made from old furniture haha. That's what I get for cheaping out.

[TexasTycoon]

One of the many buds in the new growth opened today! It smells so wonderful, but I'm wondering if the brown bits surrounding it are cause for alarm? I don't see anywhere else on the tree that looks the same.

[clkingtx]

I don't remember ever seeing that on my trees, but it looks the way a spider plant does if you don't water it appropriately. I would think that it isn't too big a concern, but I am no expert. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will chime in.
Here is a link to an information sheet about citrus problems:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs141

Carrie

[TexasTycoon]

Thanks for the super informative link, Carrie! I don't think I'll worry about the brown parts unless they spread to more of the tree. It seems to be pretty happy right now with tons of leaves budding and loads more flower buds ready to open.

[clkingtx]

I hope it does great for you. Citrus flowers smell so lovely, definitely my favorite scent!

Carrie

[TexasTycoon]

Husband talked me into buying a new tree yesterday after noticing the old tree has been dropping new leaves, old leaves, and flower buds somewhat regularly. It also had two mushrooms growing in the potting medium the other day after all the rain we got, which happened once or twice last year as well. I think it'll live, but I want fruit this year and as my husband explained, we're not Charlie Brown. My mom wants the old tree, and I think it'll have a much happier life as it'll either be going into a large (probably 4x4x2') wooden box planter or into the ground, depending on where she wants it. Any tips I can give her to make sure the transplant goes successfully and will get the tree off to a good start on recovery? Attached is a picture of the new tree (left) vs. the old tree.

[Worth1]

Kelly I have waited for someone to come here and give advice on what to do with the tree when it is given you you mom.
Nothing.
So here it is I would go get a bag of Epsoma Citrus tone mix it in the soil plant the tree and water it.
I bet the thing will take off.
After about a year it will have good roots and you want have to water it as much.
Your container plant more than likely is getting the fertilizer washed out.

Worth

[TexasTycoon]

Originally Posted by Worth1

Kelly I have waited for someone to come here and give advice on what to do with the tree when it is given you you mom.
Nothing.
So here it is I would go get a bag of Epsoma Citrus tone mix it in the soil plant the tree and water it.
I bet the thing will take off.
After about a year it will have good roots and you want have to water it as much.
Your container plant more than likely is getting the fertilizer washed out.

Worth

Thanks Worth, I appreciate it! I'll get some Citrus Tone for her then and call it part of her birthday present (her birthday is tomorrow and yes her name is Patty ).