Tamarillo Tree Help

mmulv2 starts with ...
I planted a tamarillo tree in a large pot a week ago and the pot has got a bowl collecting water at the bottom. However, lately the leaves have gone very droopy (there is mulch on the soil)and the bottom leaves are going slightly yellow. All the leaves were fine before planting. This is similar to what happened to our last tamarillo tree but that was planted in the ground. This is subject to full sun. Is it because of over or under watering? I removed the bowl 2 days ago and havent watered since but it hasnt improved, the soil feels more cold than moist at present. Thanks for your help.

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snottiegobble says...
mm, trim each tamarillo green leaf back to a third & remove the old ones( yellow leaves are useless to the plant.). Only leave the new developing leaves at the top complete & feed a solution of seasol/water until adapted.

John Mc says...
Here's some excellent reading material on Tamarillows thanks to Epiphany.

http://www.panui.org.nz/ManagingTamarillos.htm

mmulv2 says...
Is that trimmed enough? I also watered it with a seasol powerfeed and water mixture. Do i keep giving it seasol every few days until its adapted? Thanks

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snottiegobble says...
mm, I just looked at your plant magnified & it seems to be recovering so just remove the yellow leaves & feed with seasol as i suggested.

snottiegobble says...
mm, just cut those back by half. I am sure your tama. is well on the way to recovery already. as you are unlikely to get frosts, your only worry will be intense sunlight during summer so some shade from midday will be beneficial.

snottiegobble says...
mm, it could reach 1.5 to 2 mts depending on a number of factors & there may even be a few fruit this time next year or little earlier. You will need to put it in a bigger pot or plant it out in 2 - 3 months time because Tamarillos are fast growers & feeders.

epiphany says...
One of my seedlings grew around 2m last year but they're very shallow rooting, so bear that in mind when they get big (& top-heavy). Cuttings tend to be better for pot culture but the fruit are generally) smaller than seedlings.

mmulv2 says...
Hey guys, the tree has been growing extremely well, but there are black small spots all over the leaves and they are slowly turning yellow and browning and shrivelling up. Does anyone know what this is/how to fix this? Thanks

mmulv2 says...
Anyone know how to fix this? I dont know how much time it has left. Thanks

snottiegobble says...
Yes its hard to tell without seeing the plant. Aphids usually cover the underside of the leaves & also attack the new growth. Certain ants milk aphids by stroking them for a honeydew that exudes from 2 projections on the aphids backs. The presence of aphids in large numbers also encourages a black mildew covering.
If you are organically inclined garlic spray should get rid of the aphids, but you will need to spray up under the leaves in the cool of the day!

mmulv2 says...
Theres one

mmulv2 says...
Theres one

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snottiegobble says...
Old leaves can look like that before they drop off. They would be the lowest leaves on your tree mmulv2, but there should be health green leaves above with a pinkish tinge on the very new ones up top. Dont forget tamarillos are not really deciduous & only frost can strip them . Have you an updated photo of the whole tree?