Peach tree leaves wilting

[Jane Templeman]

It's a small tree in a pot, in a cool greenhouse. Was doing beautifully, new leaves, blossom, set fruit which started to swell. Now the leaves are drooping and starting to fall. I thought I wasn't watering it enough, so gave it more, then worried that I was over watering. Fed it with Vitax4. Should I repot? It isn't peach leaf curl, leaves look pristine, just floppy.

[Two_Sheds]

It's a small tree in a pot, in a cool greenhouse.

presumably you're using a min/max thermometer in there? You'd be surprised how hot they get, esp with inadequate ventilation.

[BertieFox]

Sounds like over watering to me, as small trees in pots can easily get waterlogged early in the season when they have few leaves. If it's not too difficult, I would be inclined to knock it gently out of the pot and check the condition of the compost and roots at the base. You will soon see if these have rotted and the compost is wet and stagnant.

If this is the case, allow it to dry a little, improve the drainage in the pot and then carefully repot it. Unfortunately it may harm the fruit for this year but your tree should be able to recover and put on new leaves.

[Jane Templeman]

Thank you both - I have re-potted with more drainage ( roots were damp but not rotted, but very potbound) and moved it to a sheltered position in the courtyard ( it does get pretty hot in the greenhouse) and leaves do seem to have perked up a bit. Much appreciated, both of you!

[BUFFS]

I never close the windows in my backyard greenhouse and only water the peach and apricot tubs about once a month this time of year, even with the glorious easter week we had(the only good one I can remember) , they are in fairly free draining compost, in large 24ins tubs. with the constant flow of air we get no problems associated with overheating or too much water and even here they seem to thrive, he says, fingers crossed, touching wood .....