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Is something eating my Meyer lemon tree

4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

I noticed that it looks like something is eating my indoor Meyer lemon tree leaves. If so how to find out what kind of insect is responsible if this is causing the problem? Also, what do I need to do to get rid of the insects Thanks

Comments (20)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Can you share a picture of your citrus. You said your citrus is indoors so please include a wide shot with the pot, and also a close up of the leaf damage. Generally speaking, the best way to fight pests eating your tree is the spray it all down with horticultural oil a few times.

    Joey Sanders thanked Horrifying Citrus Monster (Zone 7b, NYC)
  • 4 years ago

    Yes, thank you for responding. I will I think I will have to download the app. I will post picture here in a few minutes after I download the app

  • 4 years ago

    Here are my pictures of my lemon tree

  • 4 years ago

    Did you get the pictures

  • 4 years ago

    Not sure if the pictures went through

  • 4 years ago



  • 4 years ago

    Ok I think it went through


  • 4 years ago

    Thanks for the information bklyn. It's a indoor plant and I haven't seen any slugs or snails. Will a indoor plant get slugs or snails?

  • 4 years ago

    In the first photo you posted I'm seeing what looks like webbing, and possibly mites. Also, slugs and snails can come in as riders on other plants. Often plants that come from greenhouses or garden centers have been outside at one point or another and can bring things with them. Especially if you've recently brought home a new plant, something could have come in on them and then found its way onto your meyer. It's why I always quarantine new plants for 40 days before placing them in my growing area.

  • 4 years ago

    overall, your tree looks great. Sometimes the leave just get damage from brushing against or wind.

    Steve.

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks poncirguy for your help it's very helpful

  • 4 years ago

    Thank you bonsal_citrus if it is mites how do I get rid of them?

  • 4 years ago

    Three different ways: you could apply horticultural oil to the plant, spray it with some DE (this can be messy, but it has the added benefit of killing most other pests too), or soak the whole plant.

  • 4 years ago

    I agree that it looks like snail/slugg damage. If you carefully check inside and around the pots I think you might find the culpret.

  • 4 years ago

    If you catch the snail, you can keep it as a pet or saute over low heat with shallots, butter and garlic.

  • 4 years ago

    was wondering what happened to my reply yesterday ... and finally figured out you have two posts going on this


    https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6213001/is-this-cause-from-insects-or-disease-on-my-meyer-lemon-tree-leaves#n=4


    if your plant has been entirely in the house... i dont understand how some slug got thru the door.. across various rooms.. and found this plant ... hence i wondered if it was outside for summer.. where a slug could have found it ... and stowed away in the bottom of a pot...


    i see the other responses in the other post.. and warn to do no further harm for a couple leaves .. i stand by snipping them off... and watching for further damage ... before you start slathering on goos or fully submerging your plant ...


    and in the case of slugs.. go hunting after the plant is in the dark.. and see if you can find an active big slug.. etc .. if so.. destroy her and be done with it ... just put it in a closet for a few hours or something.. create a night cycle ...


    your plant looks very good overall.. it might not be time for nuclear warfare ...


    ken

  • 4 years ago

    Hope you find it soon Joey, I’m cringing just thinking about it. I would go nuclear but that’s because I despise slugs/snails/creepy crawlies.

  • 4 years ago

    Ken, I've found snails in an herb plant I bought at a store before. Luckily I only had my orchids at the time and I had set it in the kitchen away from any others, but it's not unheard of. Especially if that plant had been outside at any point. Something I was just thinking of, is that if it is a snail or slug spraying down the plant with some water in a spray bottle with the blinds drawn might be enough to draw it out. Heard somewhere that snails are more active in the rain and likely to come out to shady spots when it rains out. Some water in a spray bottle may be enough to simulate rain and trick it into showing itself. I agree with Ken that, looking at the plant as a whole, it doesn't look like a massive pest problem, just a few damaged leaves.

  • 4 years ago


    Even if a random critter got into the house and nibbled your plant, it could be long dead. That plant is lovely--you don't have an infestation.


    Still, it looks as much like physical damage to me as critter damage. Is there any poop? Is it just those few leaves? Do you have a cat? :P


    I would find a pest before treating for one. Without knowing the target (or if there even IS one), you're just as likely to make things worse.