Saving a 25-Year-Old Ornamental Orange Tree from Leaf Curl

Leaf curl on a mature citrus often signals root stress. Since the root ball came out intact, check roots: brown/mushy = rot. Trim rot, air-dry, then repot in a container with drainage holes. The current pot's rock layer doesn't guarantee drainage.

Key Fixes

• Water only when top 2 inches are dry; empty saucer promptly.
• Feed with citrus fertilizer after the first month in new soil.
• Mist during flowering to help fruit set.
• Move outdoors in warm weather; acclimate gradually to full sun.

Correct drainage and watering usually resolve curl within a season.