If you have yellow leaves on orange tree do not worry, this problem has a solution. However, first, we must know why your orange tree has yellow leaves. This article will explain everything about the yellow leaves on orange trees.
The sweet orange tree (Citrus sinensis) ranks first among the citrus fruits consumed worldwide. It is native to China and northern Burma and has been well-known throughout the Mediterranean for about 3000 years.
Table of Contents
Why Are My Orange Tree Leaves Turning Yellow?
Why Are My Orange Tree Leaves Turning Yellow? There can be several causes of yellow leaves on orange trees. For example, the tree could suffer from excess watering or lack of nutrients. We will explain all the possible causes and how to solve them, don’t worry!
A common problem in gardening is observing leaves on citrus trees turning yellow. This situation can occur during the fall, summer and also affect the yield of citrus fruits. In this post, we focus on analyzing the causes of orange tree leaves yellowing and arriving at a diagnosis to fix yellow leaves on orange trees.
It is so satisfying as gardeners when we start to pick and harvest our fruit from citrus trees. However, at some point in this long growing process, the leaves of the orange trees begin to yellow. Occasionally happens after blooming because of a deficiency of nutrients. But could be several reasons why your orange tree has yellow leaves. This article focuses on finding the cause behind an orange tree with yellow leaves and how to fix it.
An orange tree with yellow leaves is a warning sign that both the tree and orange production are at risk, and you must act immediately to heal the tree before it is too late. Below you will see all the causes of orange tree leaves yellowing.
Once you diagnose the situation that caused the yellowing of the leaves of your orange tree, proceed without wasting time to solve it. As the guide below explains, healing your orange tree will require your keen observation.
I encourage you to read (and reread it if needed) to cover every step of the process and successfully reverse it on your orange tree with yellow leaves.
Why do I have an Orange tree with yellow leaves? How do I fix yellow leaves on my orange tree? Let’s start.
How to Fix Yellow Leaves on Orange Tree Due to Lack of Nutrients
How Do I Fix Yellow Leaves On My Orange Tree Due to Lack of Nutrients? You should treat your orange tree and solve this problem by applying a specific citrus tree fertilizer NPK 3-5-5 or similar composition to the orange tree.
I always recommend reading the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the fertilizer correctly and to get the most out of the nutrients. Below is the fertilizer we recommend because it has given me excellent results in the last few years.
- Package contains 4 Pounds organic fruit and citrus fertilizer grains and is produced to avoid wasteful runoff, mess, hazards and smells
- Plant fertilizer is formulated with a 3-5-5 NPK to provide fruit and citrus plants the nutrients they need for a high yield and vibrant foliage
- Jobe's organic fertilizer contains no synthetic chemicals and are OMRI listed for organic gardening by the USDA
Yellow Leaves on Orange Tree Due to Excess Water
Yellow Leaves on Orange Tree Due to Excess Water. The most frequent cause of this problem is incorrect plant watering, which can be excessive or lack of water.
Orange trees prefer soils with an optimal drainage system, so abundant irrigation or a generous rainy season usually affects the plant if the water stagnates.
On the other hand, water shortage causes dryness in its taproots, stress on the plant, and, consequently, the loss of its leaves. The leaves of the orange tree turn yellow due to lack of water, which is also accompanied by leaf loss.
For your orange tree to remain healthy, it should be watered once a week during the summer and the winter only when the soil is quite dry, which can be every 3 weeks.
Orange Tree Leaves Yellowing Due to Diseases and Pests
Some diseases and pests are the cause of yellow leaves on orange trees. We will now explain the main ones that affect the orange tree.
Phytophthora gummosis
Yellow Leaves on Orange Tree Due to Fungus (Phytophthora gummosis). Different species of Phytophthora cause this disease. This fungus is found in the soil and infects the collar, trunk, main branches, and roots.
High soil moisture, and pH between 4 and 6, favor this fungus. Also, grafting below 12″ (30 cm) and excess nitrogen fertilization. Phytophthora spp. can remain in the soil for long periods. Humidity favors the reproduction and dissemination of the pathogen, so its incidence increases during the rainy season or in poorly drained soils.
Grafting plants above 12″ (30 cm) in height is recommended to prevent this fungus. Maintain adequate drainage to avoid water accumulation at the base and control nitrogen fertilization doses.
Anthracnose
Orange Tree Yellow Leaves Due to Anthracnose. It is favored by high humidity and rainfall conditions. Fungi of the genus Colletotrichum cause the disease. Affected plants show necrotic lesions on flower buds, fruits, and leaves.
In the case of orange leaves, the spots are irregular and vary in size. If the infection is severe, intense defoliation occurs. It is usually associated with leaf spots caused by fungi of the genus Alternaria. How to get rid of Alternaria.
Collect and destroy diseased fruit to eliminate sources of infection. Prune affected branches and leaves and remove them from the lot, eliminating them so they are not a source of inoculum. Apply cupric fungicides and benzimidazole fungicides preventively.
Orange Tree Leaves Yellowing Due To Iron Chlorosis or Iron Deficiency
How Do I Fix Yellow Leaves On My Orange Tree Due to Iron Chlorosis or Iron Deficiency? If you have yellow leaves on orange tree, it may be due to a lack of iron.
To treat chlorosis, you should provide the affected plant with iron chelate to restore the necessary levels to the plant and promote the creation of chlorophyll and the normal activity of the plant to recover its original greenness. By providing iron, the pH of the soil is lowered, and the soil’s acidity is restored. You should measure the soil pH and correct it as needed.
- GOODBYE YELLOW, HELLO LUSH GREEN LEAVES - Grow More iron chelate for plants is rich in organic ingredients, formulated to swiftly banish the yellowing leaves due to iron deficiency. Quickly notice the restoration of your plants' natural green color
- TREATS 2,000 SQUARE FEET - Gardening savvy meets cost-effectiveness with this ultra-concentrated formula giving you the most bang for your buck! Just mix with water following the recommended dosage, and enjoy numerous applications with this generous 8-ounce size
- VERSATILE FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT - Perfect for either indoor or outdoor spaces, our chelated iron fertilizer is most effective when applied to both soil and foliage, offering a flexible solution to combat iron deficiency with ease. Tailor its application to your plant's unique needs following our instructions for optimally healthy growth
Learn more about What is ferrous sulfate iron used for?
Tips to Avoid Yellow Leaves on Orange Trees
Tips to Avoid Yellow Leaves on Orange Trees. I always recommend disinfecting the tools with which we prune our plants, such as our orange tree.
It is advisable to use sharp tools that have been disinfected with alcohol to avoid the appearance of diseases such as viruses and fungi. Pruning orange trees every year is a must. I recommend you read this guide to know when and how to prune an orange tree
We must also avoid excessive watering, as already mentioned. Otherwise, yellow leaves will appear on the orange tree, which could rot our plant’s roots.
Learn more about How to Plant Orange Seeds.
Final Conclusions Regarding Orange Tree Leaves Yellowing
Yellowing leaves on orange trees may be a sign to worry about because it jeopardizes the harvest and the tree’s health. Often, yellowing leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of nitrogen, iron, or magnesium, and it is easy to fix using a suitable fertilizer for orange trees.
Overwatering an orange tree can cause root rot. It may be hard to control if the rainwater accumulation in your area changes through the years. On the other hand, underwatering an orange tree can cause watering stress and lead to leaf discoloration.
Signs of infestation are the most difficult to solve but still possible. To prevent this situation, I recommend checking your garden periodically and inspecting leaves and soil often.
Several reasons, such as a lack of nutrients, water stress, pest infestation, extreme weather conditions, etc, can cause yellow leaves on orange trees. But now, you have all the tools you need in this post to understand the cause behind the yellow, fix it, and prevent a future occurrence.
