Myer Lemon Tree losing leaves - Ask Extension
Hi,
Recently my 4 year old lemon tree has started losing it's leaves. I thought it may be an overwatering issue but have been told the coloring on th...
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Myer Lemon Tree losing leaves #479510
Asked August 20, 2018, 9:55 AM EDT
Hi,
Recently my 4 year old lemon tree has started losing it's leaves. I thought it may be an overwatering issue but have been told the coloring on the leaves may indicate a virus. I have moved the tree outside in nicer weather but it is mostly inside and last winter I used a plant light to help with the lack of sunlight. The light seemed to help as there was lots of new growth throughout the spring. Unfortunately at this point the tree has lost about half its leaves and the remaining leaves are yellowed.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time,
Elizabeth Childs
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Elizabeth,
Four years is great for your lemon tree. Thanks for including photos of the leaves.
It is difficult to tell if it is an insect issue but do inspect the plant very carefully and closely for small mites or scale bumps on the stems. Indoor plants are especially prone to spider mites. A good spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap is good once or twice a year, make sure to apply on the underside of the leaves and trunk as well.
Most likely it is a combination of several things. It would love to be outside in full sunlight...it is good that you have a plant light (needs min. 8-12 hours of direct sun a day) but moving it around or in and outside can be a stressor too.
In a container a good soil change or perhaps larger container may be needed, maybe it is root bound. Lemons in a container a regular routine of fertilizer that includes minerals, and indoor watering can be tricky to get just right. It does like well drained soil.
The patterns on the leaves appear to be more mineral deficiency than watering. If you do feed it routinely, take a look at the fertilizer and make sure it contains minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, etc. There are fertilizers sold for especially citrus if you can find one.
Four years is great for your lemon tree. Thanks for including photos of the leaves.
It is difficult to tell if it is an insect issue but do inspect the plant very carefully and closely for small mites or scale bumps on the stems. Indoor plants are especially prone to spider mites. A good spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap is good once or twice a year, make sure to apply on the underside of the leaves and trunk as well.
Most likely it is a combination of several things. It would love to be outside in full sunlight...it is good that you have a plant light (needs min. 8-12 hours of direct sun a day) but moving it around or in and outside can be a stressor too.
In a container a good soil change or perhaps larger container may be needed, maybe it is root bound. Lemons in a container a regular routine of fertilizer that includes minerals, and indoor watering can be tricky to get just right. It does like well drained soil.
The patterns on the leaves appear to be more mineral deficiency than watering. If you do feed it routinely, take a look at the fertilizer and make sure it contains minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, etc. There are fertilizers sold for especially citrus if you can find one.
