Question
Hi

I live in zone 7b in central AL

I have a papaya tree that I germinated from seed. it is living in a 5 gallon pot.

It is over 2 feet tall.

Gradually over the past month or so, all the leaves are turning yellow and dropping off.

Why? Is it the weather? Should I start bringing it into the house? It is staying between 55 and 65 at night, and 75 and 85 during the day.

It will gradually begin getting cooler in the next few weeks.

Help?

Answer
It is difficult to point a finger at the exact cause without seeing the plant and having a history of its care up to this point (watering, light exposure, planting medium , container size and type etc..) but it sounds like it is being effected by the cooler night temps (it is a tropical plant), and possibly fungal problems, (again from the night coolness coupling with the wet soil..)..Papayas are pretty resilient however , and even though the yellow leaves will fall off, new growth will emerge from the top. I would bring it in at night at this point, and return it outside during the warmth of the day.