We moved our Clementine tree (planter) indoors for the winter (we live in N.C.).

Seems to be doing well, including new growth, but it's lost a lot of old nice green leaves from the branches closest to the trunk (the new growth is at the ends of the longest branches, and recently replacements of the interior" dropped leaves)

We got it as a gift, and I'd guess it's maybe 3 years old. It's in a very roomy planter.

No insects or diseases. All the leaves are nice green.

Does anyone know what percent of winter leave drop is normal for Clementines? (I'm guessing ours has dropped maybe 1/3.)

Thanks for any advice!

Alan

Sounds normal to me...
Plants coming indoors where the heated air is dry... from the humid outdoors will experience some leaf drop...

Just be careful about watering... too dry is preferable to too wet.

This year, when I potted up a ghost pepper plant, the guy taking care of it was taking it out doors to water, and apparently just pouring water to the plant... I noticed dying sections of the plant, and had a little discussion about not drowning the plant...

Citrus trees (and whatever else) grow new leaves easily... recovering from over-watering? not so much.

Personally, I usually don't water until I see leaf drop... Taking the plant outdoors when they predict a warm stretch of at least a week, seems to give good results as well.

Thank you!

Very helpful!

Much appreciated!!

The amount of leaf drop depends on how much light it gets. The brighter the location, the less leaf drop.

CalPolygardener said: The amount of leaf drop depends on how much light it gets. The brighter the location, the less leaf drop.

100%. The tree will only retain the number of leaves it can support in reduced light. It will need less water because it has fewer leaves. Its all about photosynthesis.

Thank you all for responding!

I'm glad I posted my question here!

Take heart! My lemon tree would lose a ton, even get covered in scale, but rebound amazingly once back outside.