Kumquat Green Leaf Drop: Overwatering Indoors After Outdoor Season

Ontario, Canada kumquat (bought June, outdoors summer, indoors Sept) suddenly drops green leaves, stems turn brown from middle outward. Cutting back to green reveals more browning. Owner watered heavily when fruit swelled.

Diagnosis: Root Rot from Overwatering

Citrus roots are shallow and need wet-dry cycles. Indoors, evaporation slows; the heavy watering saturated the root zone. Brown stems = vascular collapse from rot.

Rescue

• Do not repot (adds stress).
• Stop watering until top 2" of mix is dry.
• Ensure saucer is emptied religiously.
• Citrus recovers slowly; new growth appears when roots regenerate.

Atomic Grow monthly can accelerate root recovery by boosting brix.