I just repotted my trees in CHC mixture and most seem to be adjusting fine but the new growth on my cara cara navel tree is looking rather wilted and droopy. I have watered well..what should/can I do to save the new growth?

Is the tree in direct sun ? New growth can wilt in direct sun. If it is in direct sun move it to a partial shade condition.

CHC is one of the most popular mediums currently used by a very large number container citrus growers, with excellent results. I have over 100 citrus trees, of all varieties, planted in CHC mediums, with zero "0" problems. CHC has now become one of the main mediums of use by the orchid industry the world over, and orchid roots are extremely demanding in their care. CHC provides all the requirements of a good medium needed by a citrus tree. I agree with Lazz's assessment concerning the new growth on your Cara Cara. New citrus leaves have a transpiration rate that is much higher than the tree's older growth. Therefore, the new growth will lose water at a much faster rate than more mature leaves. It is due to the higher transpiration rate of new leaves, that cause them to wilt while the rest of the tree seems OK. Because your tree is in a new CHC medium, over watering is NOT an issue of concern. You can soak the entire container of your Cara Cara for two or three minutes, to insure that the medium is providing optimum moisture to the tree's root system. Evidently, there probably was a little damage to the roots during transplanting, especially if the tree was fine prior to transplanting. As Lazz suggests, set the tree in some shade for a few days. The best. - Millet (1,267-)

Good news, I beleive that the sun is the problem...I watered the little guy with some soluable fertilizer and by evening, the new growth has perked right up...I would assume that it was the direct sun light on the tree that was responsible; therefore, I will move it to a more shaded location. Thanks for the help!! Tim.

8/3/2009


Hi.....


I would like to know what is CHC Mixture ?
Where can you buy it ?

Cheers...Joe

Coconut husk chips. Millet should be able to give you his source.

8/3/2009


Laaz...

Thank you....

Cheers..Joe..

CHC (Coconut Husk Chips) mixture is normally a blend of 4 parts CHC to 1 part peat moss. It does not come pre-blended, you have to mix the chips and peat moss. I purchase my chips from The Crystal Company of Fenton MO. Many time you can also find them in garden centers, orchid suppliers, and I've heard someone finding them at Pet CO. However, The Crystal Company's CHC have been pre washed and squeezed dry 3 times. - Millet (1,262-)