Meyer Lemon Tree Losing Leaves

8 years ago

I have had my meyer lemon tree now for two years. About a year ago, I noticed that it was losing leaves at the trunk and old leaves were falling off.

^My Meyer Lemon Tree before it started losing leaves^

At first at thought that the lemon tree had a nutrient deficiency. I sprayed it with a liquid nutrient fertilizer which caused the tree to grow a little, but it continued to lose leaves. I now believe that my citrus tree has root rot. The pot it is in is big compared to the root ball and there is little to no perlite in it. I also believe it is root rot because water never comes out of the drainage holes. I will repot my meyer lemon tree in the spring when it is warmer. I plan on using a smaller pot and specific citrus soil that has perlite in it. If it is root rot, how can I treat it? Is there any way to get rid of it?

^My poor lemon tree as of today^

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Comments (3)

Dee
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
How many holes are in the bottom of the pot? Are they blocked? The more holes the better. If you suspect root rot, it's just going to get worse with time. If it really is root rot, you have nothing to lose by changing it now. I believe the only way to get rid of it is to change the soil and trim off all the bad roots. Put the tree in a plastic pot that is a little bigger than the root ball. If you have to stake it, then do so. Keep the pot above the saucer as well to keep the water away from the roots. After all that has been done, put it in the sunniest and warmest place you can during the day.
johnmerr
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Judging from the size of the leaves and the legginess of the limbs, I would say it is definitely not getting enough light. It is not unusual for it to drop older leaves to replace them with new leaves better suited to the light conditions. If you change the light conditions (lights, moving, etc.) be sure to do it gradually; sudden changes in light conditions will cause a Meyer to lose many/most/all of its leaves.
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Silica
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
What is "water never comes out the drainage holes"? I've never hear of that before. If you apply enough water, water will certainly drain out the bottom. When water drains from a container, air moves into the container. Your tree has been in the very same container, and the very same original medium it was planted in for 2 years?? It is over time for a change.