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farslayr

my leaf issues

20 years ago

Don't you guys ever tire of the Meyer Lemon leaf problems?

I inherited one earlier this summer that looked pretty good when I got it.. I've been half afraid to water it, after reading all you guys say about overwatering..

It looked pretty dry when I got it and I only watered it once before I took it inside. I had a little bit of leave drop, when I moved it, but not too bad.. The first day inside, I watered and since then it had put on a TON of flower buds..

Everything was going perfect until on Sunday, I noticed that, just overnight the leaves had become pretty wilted looking. I was surprised, but knowing I hadn't watered it in almost a month, I gave it a drink.. Later that day, I took a look (6-8 hours later) and probably 100 out 110 leaves were on the floor, along with most of the unopened flower buds.. They fell fast and almost every single one!

Obviously some kind of shock to the plant. I have no idea what, except maybe too cold of water.. Got any other ideas?

With proper care - could a leaf, that would fall off, with the slightest touch - rejuvenate itself and become stronger and better attached to the plant? Or is it destined to fall? I guess what I'm asking is: If you get leaf drop and leaves fall with the slightest touch, are you better off getting them all off or leaving it alone and trying to keep as many attached as possible?

sorry this turned out so long..!

Comments (10)

  • 20 years ago

    Far, sorry about your Meyers. Something happened that caused this problem.
    You mention cold water..did you water w/cold water? This could definatly have an effect..roots do not like icy water..Room temp is best but if the water is cold then you're better off using warm water from the tap.
    Everyone cares for their plants differently, but if it were my tree, I'd give it a good shake, remove yellow leaves. Sweep up the area; I believe felled leaves left in soil or around citrus will attract bugs.
    Don't be afraid to water..You want to give the plant a good drink, soaking the entire rootball. Watering times depend on air temp, soil, humidity and sun.
    It's important the soil dries before watering..The top 3" should feel/look dry. You can buy a guage, do the finger test, or lift pot to feel its weight. Only then, if soil is dry should it be watered.
    I'm also a firm believer in misting..do so once a day, preferably mornings.
    A humidifer helps not only plants but ppl.

    Good light is important too. A south or west window is best. If possible, place plant where it'll get some artificial light at night.

    If you've recently brought the Meyer's indoors, it probably needs time to acclimate..leaf drop wil stop..Good luck, Toni

  • 20 years ago

    Thanks for the reply Toni. It has been indoors for about 2 months. I did have a small amount of leaf drop when I brought it in, but it had stopped and had started putting on new growth and budded. I have it under lights, so that's covered.. I've cleaned up everything that fell, but was wondering if I should go ahead and make sure that everything that would come off easily - came off...

    As far as water goes - I'm not sure what temp I watered with - I just filled my container from the tap and poured. No fert..

    Not too much of a worrier about plants, I'm sure it will come back to some degree of health..!

  • 20 years ago

    Far - The cold water theory is a good one. I'm also curious about the drainage. You said the soil "looked" dry, but did you pick up the container at all? Do you know what this tree is potted in -- such as standard potting soil, etc.? Finally, is the container elevated above the drainage tray, so that it is never sitting in water? Toni knows that I am not a huge fan of spray misting. But, it works for her, and I cannot legitimately argue that point. So, you'll need to decide that one for yourself.

    To answer your final question, all leaves are destined to fall -- if they don't get eaten first. However, Meyer Lemon leaves can remain on the tree for 2-3 years before eventually dropping. A leaf that drops any earlier than that is usually due to some type of stress.

  • 20 years ago

    Far, to be on the safe side, check for unwanted pests. Mites, mealy, scale, etc.
    I'm hoping bugs aren't the case, but one can never be too cautious when it comes to plants, especially in winter.
    Look for webbing, white, cottony patches, and little bumps on stems/under leaves.

    Yep, AAE, I know you don't believe in misting..LOL, and Far has to decide for himself whether or not he wants to bother. The way I figure it, what has one to lose? Right? And it gives a person a good chase to check for pests. It's also a temporary humidifer and leaf cleaner. (I don't believe in using leaf shine) Toni

  • 20 years ago

    Toni - Even though I don't think insects are the culprit here, I appreciate you bringing that up. I've been watching spider mites multiply like crazy on my Buddha's Hand. Even all of the rain (and hail) over the weekend didn't curb their breeding. Anyway, I knew there was a gardening chore that required my attention, and your response was like the proverbial lightbulb. Thanks!

  • 20 years ago

    AAE, what will you use to rid the mites? Do you spray with insectides or home made solutions?

    Speaking of Buddha's hand, for some reason the squirrels desired leaves of that and its relative, Etrog?? Is that it's name? Anyway, they chewed foliage during summer..Next yr I'm going to try a red hot pepper spray that's 'supposed' to keep wildlife away. I don't know if these two trees are going to make it..I noticed there are bite marks on the trunk of the BH. So, what chance does this tree have?

    Far, didn't mean to change topics here..(S) I hope I'm wrong regarding pests, but it never hurts to check..Toni

  • 20 years ago

    Toni - I'll probably use Orange Guard this time around.

  • 20 years ago

    I have to do research on Orange Guard..I may go to that 'other' message board, and see what ppl have to say about it. Thanks, Toni

  • 20 years ago

    Hello!

    I just wanted to say I am also a firm believer in misting...Toni even saw my plants in pics and asked if I used said "leaf shine" (never heard of it), I only mist. So if it's good for only that it's worth it, although I feel there is more beneficial properties that just that, just can't nail them down with proof!

  • 20 years ago

    Eco, I happened to mention leaf shine only because the foliage on your citrus were so shiny.
    I believe misting works in other ways, too..for one, it helps w/humidity, and cleans off dust particles that clog pores on foliage.
    Since there are so many leaves on citrus, most ppl wouldn't want to clean every leaf, one by one w/a soft rag..lol.As much as I love working w/plants, I admit it'd be too much for anyone. Eqo, whatever you're doing, keep up the great work..Toni

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