How to manage when soursop (guyabano) has yellow wilted leaves?

What do when soursop (guyabano) have yellow wilted leaves and unable to bear fruit?

There are several possible reasons why the leaves of a soursop (Annona muricata, also known as guyabano, guanabana, babana, huanaba and  graviola) tree starts to turn yellowish and eventually wilt and fall off. In such cases, the plant may also fail to bear fruits.

Soursop tree typically bears fruit after 3 to 5 years, grows up to 25 to 30 feet tall, and has a shallow root system which enables it to survive in a pot. I'll share with you several common culprit and ways to manage  ensure a healthy soursop tree and good harvest.

1. Not enough water

A common reason behind soursop tree's yellowing leaves is under-watering or over-watering. Although soursop can withstand dry hot climate, if it is not watered for a prolonged period of time and the temperature climbs high especially during the summer days, then it's leaves begins to wilt and shed. If such is the case, then it is be best to water the tree in the early morning everyday. Furthermore, if the soil tends to dry out particularly during hot summer days, adding organic mulch such as wood chips and bark to the top layer can prevent the root system from drying out.

Overwatering can be equally damaging. The soil should be moist and loose, but not pooling with water. If the soil is unable to absorb all the water and retains much of it on the surface, then you may be overwatering or the soil may be too compacted and needs loosening to allow water to penetrate the root system. Unpotted soursop tree generally requires less watering when they mature.

2. Needs a well-drained soil

Soursop prefers rich well-drained soil, that is, a type of soil in which water drains at a moderate pace so it allows sufficient time for the tree to absorb it without flooding the area. If the soil is too sandy, it will allow water to evaporate quickly whereas compacted soil will pool up water and prevent oxygen from reaching the roots.

If the soil is compacted or a clay soil, adding sand, compost ( a mixture of decaying organic materials such as decomposed wood, leaves, and manure) or mulch will improve drainage. On the other hand, you have a sandy soil, reduce water loss by adding organic matter, compost, or mulch.

3. Sunlight

Although soursop can tolerate partial shade, it grows best when exposed to direct sunlight especially in the morning when the it's not yet scorching hot.

4. Remove wilted leaves and branches

If wilted leaves are still attach to the tree, they will further deteriorate the condition of the soursop tree so make sure to trim them off.

5. Soursop grows in tropical climate

Soursop tree thrives in humid tropical climate, so it tends to die in temperatures frost/ below freezing point.

by: Arlene Gentallan