Summer is here. And it is warm. Also wet (well, not in this morning picture). July has been as stormy as June was dry.
This weekend's project is to re-pot - again (it was root-pruned in January) - one of the Thai limes: just to the left of the frame. Something is wrong. Some die-back on twigs. And it has failed to thrive, after putting out a burst of blossoms some weeks ago. Not a good sign at all.
My only theory is possible root rot. That's when soil remains wet and unoxygenated, and a fungus attacks the roots. Usually fatal unless addressed fast, although I did rescue the Meyer lemon from a similar fate earlier this year. It involves removing all damaged roots (when they disintegrate in your hands you know your root rot diagnosis was correct), washing them off and repotting in a clean pot with fresh potting mix. You water it once and then allow it dry. Out. Completely. Citrus really hate being damp.
I have been so careful with watering but possibly our storms with straight-down rain, plus a combination of a possible drainage issue in the lime's pot, have complicated things. So, time for intervention.
I have ordered some Organic Cactus Mix from Espoma - it is designed to drain well. I did try a nursery for it, first, but Mr. Billionaire Bezos does deliver the goods. It will arrive today, at the door. Yesterday it was ladybugs. That's another story.
But now I am telling you all my troubles and that wasn't my intention. Growing citrus never gets boring.
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Good luck with your lime! I've order both ladybugs and worms from Amazon...its a little weird, but whatever works.
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