A tree that size would need water every day in that heat. Probably short on water. Try placing the tree in a tub of water to be sure all the soil is wet.That will take about a half hour. let it drip dry.

6b Steve

Yesterday after pulling it into the shade I watered it and it perked up a little. I watered it again this morning. I will try placing it in a tub soon. The cactus/citrus type soil does not hold water well at all, which I know is by design. When watering this morning it was like a waterfall coming out of the bottom of the pot. I am sure the roots were baking in the sun. When I moved the pot it was so hot I had to put gloves on.

You've cooked it... but it looks like it will recover. Plants need water every day in the recent summer heat waves we have had / are having.

I have found that when I let my citrus get to this dry stage, they go semi-dormant. That is, do not expect growth for several months. Water regularly once you have ensured the root area is irrigated, then give it frequent, regular watering - without soaking it to death.

I use Cactus mix based potting medium as well as plain old dirt for my potted citrus. The cactus mix base is playing with fire.. I always seems to be hours away from toasting the plant. The plain dirt retains moisture far better and easier. I think the answer is somewhere in between.

That all said, most all of my citrus is destined to be planted in the ground. They seem to be much easier to care for in the ground in northern California. Why not plant it in the ground... you can't move it anyway with all the quarantines !

BTW: the potted citrus experts may chime here... I am told to never use an organic fertilizer in a potted plant. It makes perfect sense to me that the cactus mix cannot convert the organics to useful food for the tree - but as I said, maybe others have been able to make it work.

good luck and give us an update - George.

I would like to put it in the ground, but I do not have a great spot for it yet. I had large palm trees (7 of them) removed from my yard that have sent out so many roots it is very difficult to dig a hole suitable for the tree. I would like to repot the tree with some different soil. When do you think it would be appropriate to try that. I was thinking fall. Thanks for your input.

Palm trees! Yeah my drag was 30 redwoods and their roots... ripped them all out. Digging holes becomes a sport... be aggressive and use power tools! : - )

Mike is correct, citrus does not need full hot day (sun) to thrive. Shading it (shade cloth?) is an excellent idea. Spots with half day, or better yet, morning until early afternoon sun will be really good for a Meyer lemon.

You can re-pot and plant anytime... but just be sure you can deliver consistent moisture rather than extreme soak/dry cycles. Good Luck, George.

I am going to leave it under my over hang for a few days, which will give it mostly morning to noon sun. I just want to give it some time to regain some strength. I think you guys are dead on over the last month it has been so hot and I think it was getting too dry, even though I was watering everyday. The leaves have been getting more and more yellow/brown all month. I agree I may try some shade cloth in the future. So far it still looks good still pretty perky and holding its fruit. There just a lot of brown and yellow.

Matt, that's great and thanks for accepting our thoughts! I am sure it will do much better and when the roots repair themselves and start functioning properly, that little tree should take on a nice green appearance! Good job

That's perfect sunlight! Don't feed it just yet until the roots are completely functioning well)

Mike,

I am been researching through the forum on better soil mixes than my cactus mix. I think the mix is allowing my roots to dry too quickly during the hot months, even with watering everyday. I am in Zone 9b. What do you suggest on a new mix to try? Last winter we had one of the wettest winters to date here in CA, so the cactus mix did well. I am nervous if I change the mix it may hold too much water in the winter months. Although I can always move it under my over hang, to keep excessive water off the plant. Thanks for your input.

Update: My Meyer has turned around thanks to you guys. It has now slowed on dropping leaves and now has new growth coming. It definitely likes its new location where it gets afternoon shade.

I am planning on changing the cactus mix out soon and have a few questions. I will be using the 5-1-1 mix. I have found two different barks/mulch and need some input. I have some fir micro bark and some pine super fine bark. I don't know which one I should use. The pine bark looks good but does have a lot of fine fluffy stuff in it as well. I live in the Sacramento area where it is frequently over 100 degrees in the summer, so if the mix held a little more water it wouldn't be a problem. I could also mix the two barks. Any suggestions?

I would stop with the epsom salt; you may be creating a Magnesium imbalance. Meyers are heavy users of Magnesium; but only when they are producing a lot of fruit. I would suggest never adding Magnesium if you do not see symptoms of deficiency.

Thanks for the heads up. I have stopped the Epsom salt.