Yellowing Leaves on a Cherimoya Tree

Healthy cherimoya trees produce distinctive fruit.

The cherimoya tree is a tropical tree that grows best in warm temperatures. It produces a greenish fruit with soft white flesh and large brown seeds. The tree grows to be around 30 feet tall, and the leaves of different cultivars can take on very different shapes.

Causes

One of the primary causes of cherimoya leaf yellowing is a nutrient deficiency. Soils that lack the proper balance of nutrients are unable to support healthy growth of cherimoya trees. Temperatures that have dropped below freezing can also cause the leaves of a cherimoya tree to become yellow, since the tree only thrives in warm temperatures. Pests like mealybugs can also cause yellowing of cherimoya leaves because they drain sap and nutrients from the tree.

Fertilizer

Cherimoya trees need a large amount of potassium in the soil. According to the Hawaii Fruit website, mature cherimoya trees may need up to 10 lbs. of potassium each year to avoid a nutrient deficiency. Other vital nutrients for a healthy tree include nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as iron. Use a fertilizer that contains the right balance of nutrients for the cherimoya tree to keep it healthy and productive throughout its life cycle.

Pest Control

Snails and mealybugs weaken the leaves of the cherimoya tree by feeding on them and leaving small open holes on the leaves. According to the California Rare Fruit Growers website, no chemicals are registered for use on cherimoya trees. Ducks feed on snails, which helps remove them from the garden. Ants bring mealybugs and can be controlled by wrapping the trunk of the cherimoya tree with masking tape or ant tape.

Planting Location

The growth location of the cherimoya tree also affects the health of its leaves. According to the California Rare Fruit Growers website, cherimoya trees grow best in sunny locations where they receive direct light throughout the day. This light provides the plant with the energy it needs to grow. A lack of sunlight can cause weak growth of leaves as well as eventual yellowing and wilting of mature leaves. Give the cherimoya tree a healthy growing location.

References

• Hawaii Fruit; Cherimoya; Ken Love
• California Rare Fruit Growers; Cherimoya Fruit Facts; 1996

Resources

• University of California Davis; Cherimoya; Robert Vieth; 2011