Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Wednesday - March 25, 2015
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Diseases and Disorders
Title: Mexican Lime Turning Yellow
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
What causes moderate yellowing of 40% of the leaves of an 8 year old Mexican Lime Tree that is booming and blooming right now with lots of thick new growth? I used a general garden fertilizer a few weeks ago.ANSWER:
Kurt Nolte from the University of Arizona, Yuma County Cooperative Extension has an extensive webpage on Mexican Lime (Citrus aurantifolia). Since Citrus are not natives, Mr. Smarty Plants is relying on other experts to answer your question. This includes the University of California Integrated Pest Management website which has a good pictorial page about Citrus problems. Some of the problems that could cause yellowing leaves are too moist soil, nitrogen deficiency, citrus greening, manganese deficiency, potassium deficiency, iron deficiency, cold weather, and sunburn. Survey the plant to see where the yellow leaves are occurring (lower leaves, new growth) and see if your symptoms match any on the University of California page. But the good news is that your plant is blooming profusely and has lots of thick new growth.
More Non-Natives Questions
Possibility of using weeping love grass on property in Keller, Texas
April 19, 2008 - What do you know about "Weeping Love Grass"? We have heard that it does not require watering (once the roots are established, fertilizing, nor frequent mowing. So we decided to plant it on our 2-a...
view the full question and answer
Spots on non-native naval orange trees from Stockton CA
October 20, 2012 - I have two mature Navel Orange trees. One tree has developed spotty chlorophyl depleted areas that were not on the oranges when they were smaller. In addition, the oranges on both trees are smaller ,...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Eugenia in Scottsdale AZ
June 02, 2012 - I have 5 eugenia topiaries in my courtyard in pots..I notice as the days here in Phoenix get hotter and dry (as usual) they are starting to look bad, even though they are under a shelter out of the di...
view the full question and answer
Florist Gloxinia Care
October 01, 2015 - Got a florist gloxinia and it was doing great for months. Went on vacation and returned; it was wilted. Think son watered it too much. Allowed it to dry. It has some new leaves forming on the very leg...
view the full question and answer
Invasive non-native mulberry and groundcover in Jacksonville FL
October 02, 2011 - Northeast Florida (Jacksonville) inland. My mulberry tree provides dense shade in the summer and filtered light the other seasons, leaving sand in its growing area. What fast growing ground cover woul...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |