birdgardener:

Sometimes the reason potted plants do not develop good root structures is too frequent watering. The roots have no incentive to go down, and when they do they rot. I think you did the right thing in potting the tree up in fresh soil, and hopefully in a larger pot.

I have a grafted Meyer lemon here that I received mailorder in spring, 06. It was a tiny little thing, about 4 inches tall, but I put it in a large pot with rich soil mixed with peat moss, and it took right off. It is one of the few plants that I fertilize occasionally with Miracid, which it seems to enjoy. Mine grew up and set a bunch of lemons before the end of the first summer. They are still on there, slowly growing larger. I keep the plant outdoors in full sun during the summer; in an attached greenhouse during the winter. It is blossoming again and growing a bunch of new leaves right now, while some of the old leaves are still on there.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

When you water, probably once a week, make sure you apply enough water that you see it running out the drain. About a tablespoon of Miracid or Citrus fertilizer if available where you garden, diluted in water or just spread dry on the soil surface, once a month, will keep your lemon well fed. Al

Thanks for the tips - I'm thinking of trying some aspirin water to stimulate the roots too. Couldn't hurt.

it may turn your soil acidic