Meyer lemon tree needs some resuscitation.

8 years ago

My poor lemon tree has been through the ringer. admittedly it stayed out WAY to long in the cold in Fall time (Zone 7b), wasnt fertilized (at the time I didn't know citrus trees were heavy feeders), spider mites, and unfortunately I now believe is potted in the wrong soil. I started to correct nutritional deficiencies with Jacks Classic citrus fertilizer, which helped. My tree bloomed and I have roughly 7-8 lemons set and growing after initial fruit drop. I've stopped watering for now, only misting leaves to keep mites away. And my little guy just wasn't flourishing. what new leaves were produced started losing a little color and it just looks sparse. So, I purchased a ph meter to make sure i had the "right soil" for the tree and its around 6, HOWEVER, the meter is also moisture meter and after not watering for a week or so and pretty dry ~1in deep, the meter read it completely wet. What roots I can see on top of the soil look healthy, but I do not know whats happening underneath.So, long story short I know the tree needs to be re-potted into more appropriate soil. Should I wait to not stress the tree as its growing fruit/summer heat or do I do it now? Thanks in advance!Also I am aware that my lemon should be in full sun, but that is the best I can do for now.

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Comments (5)

Dee
8 years ago
What it needs is some sun and heat to jump start it to grow leaves. If there is no sun, no growth. You may consider investing in a grow light for the tree since it needs better lighting.

What is more important? The health of the tree and future fruit or the fruit it is currently growing? I saw on the internet it's 42-48 leaves per fruit so it is possible the fruit may drop later. If you don't fix whatever is wrong with the soil, you may not have a tree. Go out and get some Sta-Green Tree and Shrub mix at Lowes, if there is one nearby, and mix 15% perlite into it to make a good potting soil. A lot of folks use it and citrus thrive.
Carolyn
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you, the picture is deceiving as it was taken stormy/overcast day and the sun is setting, but nonetheless I know it needs more sunlight. My banana and kumquat tree are flourishing so I just assumed my lemon tree would be able to handle the same lighting, I will look into a grow light. Any tips for changing out the soil to prevent further damage?
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Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Your tree looks good except for the spider mite damage but it is really OK.

As for repotting, you should do it now. Remove it from the pot. Be sure to hold it by its trunk and support the rootball with one hand under it. Then remove all soil in the rootball by soaking it in a bucket for about 30 min. Then, while holding the trunk and with one hand under the rootball, gently dip it in and out of the water. Use a pencil or scewdriver to remove adhering soil by untangling the roots. Be sure to keep the roots damp at all times.

Remove the stake. If the tree bends then tie it loosely to the steak to allow the wind to blow it around a bit. This strengthens the trunk.
Dee
8 years ago
Carolyn, I apologize if I came across too harsh. It was not my intent. I want to give you fair warning that Meyer lemons are more finicky than other citrus when it comes to lighting. I am surprised you did not experience more leaf loss over the winter so you are doing well considering the shape it is in. If the kumquat is doing well, why not the lemon? I don't expect you to answer that. lol. Just wondering what the difference is.
Carolyn
Original Author
8 years ago
No need to apologize I really appreciate your input! I'm going to repot ASAP in the mixture you suggested. Hopefully with some TLC i can get turn the tree around