Advice wanted for Indian Guava leaves turning brown

[SusieB]

Hi all,

I just recently planted an Indian Guava into the yard, and 1 week later im noticing the leaves are starting to brown and the leaves seem to be a patchy green. I have alkaline soil, and prior to planting mixed it with compost, and added sulphur. Im still looking to add sugar cane mulch and another mulch on top. When planted, it got a spray of seasol, and has maybe been watered every 2-3 days. Prior to this is was looking super healthy in its pot, got a bit of water everyday but was getting probably half of the sun it gets now. We've also had a fairly warm, sunny week. The soil currently seems to be fairly moist still. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. 

Thanks! SB

   

[mich1972]

Good morning @SusieB looks like a nutrient deficiency. Your soil looks really sandy and hydrophobic. If it was mine, I would dig it back up and dig a bigger hole. Add a soil improver and also Complete Trace Elements. Replant it back into the soil. I hope this may help. 
@Noelle , what would you recommend ? 😊

[EricL]

Hi @SusieB

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your guava tree.

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @mich1972. It does look like your soil is a bit sandy and might possibly need soil improver. When leaf tips start to turn brown, this is an indicator that your plant is not getting enough water. The soil might not be holding the water long enough for the plant to absorb it. 

The other possible reasons are overfertilizing and imbalance in the soil nutrition. In the meantime, I suggest putting the guava tree back into its pot and examining the the area that you planted it in. Does it drain the water too fast? is it holding the water for too long? Does the soil dry off too fast. The soils behaviour will tell you if it needs to be improved.

I suggest testing the pH level of the soil with a  Manutec Garden Care Products Soil PH Test Kit. 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your guava tree in better health.

Eric