Meyer Lemon tree help??

8 years ago

Hello all,
I recently purchased a potted Meyer Lemon tree from a small garden center. I purchased it three days ago, and am trying to determine the best way to get it looking healthy again. I'm well aware I bought a sad-looking tree (its a long story), but any advice to get it up and looking good is both welcome and needed!
So far I have it in direct sunlight inside (at least 6hrs daily), I water it appropriately, and I mist the leaves in the afternoon to help compensate for some lack of humidity. I used some Citrus-Tone fertilizer around the edges, as I think there may be some nutrient deficiency going on based on the leaves.
There are no buds or blossoms, a scant number of leaves, and what look like two trunks growing growing from the base?? Some of the leaves are yellowish, and some look like they have been chewed by insects at the garden center...Lots going on here...Help??

Featured Answer

johnmerr

8 years ago

John's rule of trees...

that is, if you are going to plant a
tree, start with the very best and biggest tree you can find and afford. You are going to have this tree in your life
for a long time; and you are going to put a lot of energy, emotion, and money
into it; if you start with the best, it will reward you sooner, cause you less
grief, and generally make you happier.
It is sorta like buttoning your shirt; if you get the first button
wrong, it doesn’t matter how careful you are after that.

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Comments (16)

Laura LaRosa (7b)
8 years ago
I’m not sure, but it would help us if you gave us more info such as where you live, what mix is your tree planted in, how much light does it get...etc.
Silica
8 years ago
As for the two yellow leaves, they look to be just old leaves that have lived out their lives. However, as you wrote, the tree you purchased is certainly in poor condition.
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Susanne Michigan Zone 5/6
8 years ago
John partially right. No reason to practice on an expensive tree
johnmerr
8 years ago
Susanne,

Make your own rules... John's rules are sacred.
Susanne Michigan Zone 5/6
8 years ago
John all gentleman again? :) I value you your inputs.
Silica
8 years ago
......"It is sorta like buttoning your shirt; if you get the first button
wrong, it doesn’t matter how careful you are after that"....

John your above quote is genius, I'll remember it and with your permission use it from time to time. Nothing short of genius!
TheyCallMeDave
8 years ago
I definitely agree with John when he says buy a healthy tree but it doesn't have to be a big mature tree. I personally like the challenge and want to see each leaf grow... but definitely buy a healthy tree.

Also, not all of us live in zone 11 where we can have a big old tree planted outside. Starting off with a young small tree allows you to move it around and keep it at a small size to bring inside for many years. Obviously a bigger mature healthy tree yields the most fruit and least work... but a small healthy young one can be just as fun, practical, and produce a few fruits. Long story short, buy a healthy plant hahah!
Bob Roberts
6 years ago
John

Your wisdom is always appreciated!
John Merrifield
6 years ago
Bob,

Thanks; but a mountain of experience sometimes begins to look like wisdom
Bob Roberts
6 years ago
John,

Old saying that experience is your best teacher. Also true, it can be your hardest lesson to learn. I will set with your wisdom 7 days a week
bklyn citrus (zone 7B)
6 years ago
Nothing wrong with buying a smaller tree to learn, its usually cheaper. I would get it up off the floor. Waist height keeps cold off and allows you to really see things. Hope its in a well draining mix. Hope you sprayed (own) it with insecticidal soap as a preventative. Hope that's not really two tiny trees in that pot with intertwined roots that should be split up. Is that pot oversize for rootball?
John Merrifield
6 years ago
Bob,

As I have often said here, experience is NOT the best teacher; it is often painful and as often expensive. The best teacher is OTHER PEOPLES' EXPERIENCE; it is mostly free and rarely painful. It is the reason I am here ... to learn from the experience of others.
bklyn citrus (zone 7B)
6 years ago
Did Lex get scared away?
Ken B Zone 7
6 years ago
About a year ago! :)
bklyn citrus (zone 7B)
6 years ago
Wow, 2017 post, I did't even look, this is an odd one to resurrect