Hey gang!
Some of you may remember my post a few months ago regarding my re-attempt at citrus...
Well, I am happy to say that several months and grow flushes later, the trees are doing great. The ones in the office under twin 250w metal halides are happy as can be. the 48 inch long seed heating mat keeps the soil around 80, and the reflective material surrounding the plants part of the day gives nice even light. Thanks Millet for that reflective board suggestion.
I did have a bout with spider mites, but got that under control pretty quickly.
The outdoor container citrus are very happy too, and are now in our south and east facing sunroom as we have already had our first frost. Soil temps are hovering at 64 and things seem good. just plucking a scale or two here or there. the heat mat is under the plants but turned off just in case the mid winter sun gets too hot, and WLD starts I can turn the heat mat on and bring up the root temps, or hang a sheet between the south windows and plants.
Also, I now see how important the role of planting medium plays. drainage is king! I have also become a fan of plastic pots. I can lift my plants and easily determine moisture content based on weight and experience. Heavy clay makes that much harder!
My plants are slowly migrating to root pruner pots and all CHC/peat mix except my mangos..they love the gritty mix, and HATE to be re-potted. that's mangos for you!
I am still using predominantly fish emulsion as a fert, and a vigoro granual fert with traces to balance things out. seems to work. My mangos love it too. Would love to try the Jacks fert sometime...can't find it though.
No fruit this fall, but I reallly did not expect any. I am happy with the growth though, and looking forward to spring blooms!
I will keep you posted as the winter progresses.
Best to all and thanks again for the expert guidance.
Albert
