Question From:
Cheryl Thorne in Frenchs Forest, Sydney NSW
Nature of problem:
Open splits appearing in numerous places on branches.
Type of Plant (if known):
Splitzer Lime/Orange
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Tree looks healthy, some black spotting on a few leaves. Has just started producing fruit.
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
I don’t know, probably a bit clay based but has been improved.
How often do you water the plant:
Once a week a good soak with sprinkler and more often a spray all over to get rid of any “nasties”.
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
8
What type of plant is it:
Splitzer Lime/Orange
How long since you planted it:
4 years
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Seasol Super Soil Wetter and Richgro Fruit and Citrus 2 weeks ago.
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoor
What other treatments have you given the plant:
Non
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
These open splits are numerous, only appearing this week. Mainly on the long slim branches not the thick woody areas. I am concerned that some creature will invade the open wound and kill my tree. It only started fruiting late last year and had a bumper crop of baby fruit but I lost almost all of it when we had those shocking wind storms. The remaining fruit (Limes) are ready to pick and Oranges are looking good.
Could you please advise me what to do.
Thank you so much.
Cheryl
Answer: Hi Cheryl, This is a strange one. I would have loved to see some photos. At a guess, it could be Tension Splits which are usually caused by a sudden influx of water causing very rapid growth. Perhaps your citrus tree was growing in a water-repellant soil and therefore was very dry. The Super Soil Wetter may have fixed this problem, leading to a surge in growth and the Tension Splits. If I am correct, there is nothing to worry about – the plant is literally jumping out of its skin with happiness. Relax and see how well it grows. Don
