Orange Tree Sudden Leaf Drop in Cool Weather: Temperature Fluctuation, Watering, or Scale—Cultural Fixes

Likely Causes

1. Cool temperature swings (70s days, cold nights) trigger leaf drop.
2. Uneven watering—too dry or waterlogged.
3. Scale insects—check stems/leaf undersides for hard bumps.

Actions

• Stabilize watering; no standing water.
• If scale: spray horticultural oil weekly until bumps drop off.
• Consider removing fruit early to redirect energy to foliage.
• No more fertilizer until mid-February.

Outlook

Citrus leaf drop is common; trees usually reflush when stress eases.