Don’s Expert Answers: Oranges on Tree only grow totennis ball size

Question From: 
David in  Burekup,  Bunbury WA

 

Nature of problem: 
Oranges on Tree only grow totennis ball size

 

Type of Plant (if known): 
Orange Tree

 

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself): 
Small fruit

 

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type: 
Loam Clay

 

How often do you water the plant:
weekly

 

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
14

 

What type of plant is it:
Orange tree

 

How long since you planted it:
8 years

 

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
yes, once a year for 2 years

 

Is the plant indoors or outdoors: 
Outdoors

 

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground: 
Ground

 

What other treatments have you given the plant: 
None

Upload photo if available: 

Other Comments: 

 

Answer: Hi David,,,,,A photo sure would have helped. Not much info in your email. At a wild guess, the plant is short of water. If you have grass or anything else growing within a radius of 2m of the plant’s trunk: remove it. Use a soil wetting agent and use a mulch of lucerne hay on top of the soil.  Water it twice a week for 30-45 mins. This year’s fruit are almost certainly cactus. The hope is to help the tree to recover for next year.   Don