Citrus Growers Forum

Evaldas · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2010 12:19 pm

There's one branch on my Calamondin that's recently grown a few leaves that have a blade that is about 9 cm long and 5 cm wide. I'd say normal size for a Calamondin leaf blade would be 5x3 cm. I don't get it: I fertilize at 250 ppm Nitrogen every watering, the leaves in question aren't showing any deficiencies/chloroses, though they haven't completely darkened as they're pretty fresh, the color green color is consistent.

Also: another tree that has the exact same fertilizer regime has grown one branch of I'd say normal sized leaves, but showing some deficiencies/chloroses. Other leaves on other branches seem fine.

P.S. Please don't suggest repotting.

beno · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2010 1:22 pm

I believe that the sizes of the leaves with Caldomin are proportionate to the strength of the sun. I have one also, grew some leaves in summer which were massive, the growth in winter was small.

Evaldas · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2010 1:27 pm

beno wrote:

I believe that the sizes of the leaves with Caldomin are proportionate to the strength of the sun. I have one also, grew some leaves in summer which were massive, the growth in winter was small.

But in such case it should be the opposite - the less sun the bigger the leaves - that's how plants adapt to less sun radiation by stretching. And the more sun the smaller leaves (or more normal sized leaves, depending on plant's requirements for sunlight). Unless you mean Australia where in our summer time there's winter and they have less sun???

David. · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2010 2:32 pm

I say repot it.

Just kidding lol.
I got that once when I over fertilized. Not your problem but my experience.

_________________
South Texas gardener

Dylan · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2010 3:36 pm

I think that it probabbly has something to do with the amount of light it receives. On my mature orange tree the leaves inside the canapy can be 30-40% larger than those exposed to full sun. I have seen this on other types of plants as well.

Millet · Posted: Thu 16 Sep, 2010 9:03 pm

If the over sized leaves are growing on a new young shoot, while the other parts of the tree is either having a very limited flush, or not flushing at this time, then the over sized leaves is a common occurrence. If this is indeed the situation, I can tell you why this happens. - Millet (850-)

Evaldas · Posted: Fri 17 Sep, 2010 9:23 am

Millet wrote:

If the over sized leaves are growing on a new young shoot, while the other parts of the tree is either having a very limited flush, or not flushing at this time, then the over sized leaves is a common occurrence. If this is indeed the situation, I can tell you why this happens. - Millet (850-)

The tree is putting a major flush, other branches seem fine, and one has oversized leaves.

Millet · Posted: Fri 17 Sep, 2010 12:07 pm

Unless the branch is coming from below the graft line, there is really nothing to worry about. - Millet (849-)

C4F · Posted: Sat 16 Oct, 2010 7:04 pm

Millet: >>> I can tell you why this happens. - Millet (850-)

What was the answer? Curious to learn more...

I've only read/heard of over-fert (N) and low light causation. I think I recall when there are excess roots (foliage removed) and such imbalance coincides with a natural flush time, you may get vigorous veiny water shoots with large leaves. Don't recall the source on that one, not sure if it was reliable, maybe I made it up myself Wink