How Often Should I Water My Orange Tree in the Desert?

A proper watering schedule guarantees the health of an orange tree.

Based on Soil Moisture

As explained by the Phoenix Tropicals website, citrus trees prefer drying out between waterings. Once an orange tree has been firmly established in the soil, the tree should only be watered once its deep soil becomes dry. The Four Winds Growers website recommends using a moisture meter to read the moisture level near the tree's roots. If a moisture meter is unavailable, dig a small 6-inch deep hole near the tree. If the soil is dry, water the orange tree. If the soil is moist enough to stick together, the tree likely does not need water for another week.

Based on Appearance

The appearance of the orange tree's leaves is an indicator of the tree's water needs. Wilted leaves generally indicate the tree needs water. If the leaves instantly perk up after watering, you can be certain that the roots became too dry. On the other hand, if the leaves have a cupped or yellow appearance, the tree is likely too moist. Use the tree's appearance to determine the appropriate watering schedule for your orange tree.

Bottom Line

In most cases, orange trees require a thorough watering every seven to 10 days in hot temperatures and every three to four weeks in colder temperatures. That said, you can easily determine your tree's specific watering schedule based on the tree's appearance or the moisture level of the deep soil.

References

• Sunkist: How Citrus Trees are Grown
• Phoenix Tropicals: Growing Citrus In Phoenix Arizona
• Phoenix Tropicals: Watering Recommendations For Tropical Plants
• Four Winds Growers: How Often Should I Water?
• Greenfield Citrus Nursery: Water & Fertilizer