Hello Kay,
I say it is definetly time to repot this tree. The meyer lemon has probobly used up all the nutrients in the soil and some fertilizers will leave salt deposits in the soil. Another thing to consider is the root ball. If you have not repotted in 8 years the rootball is probobly really tight. You should consider root pruning. When doing this you need to not only remove some of the rootball, but also prune the top. If you have never done this before, do a search here on GW and you should be able to find some good info on root pruning. I would also shop around for a new pot and yes, make sure it has drainage holes. Also, replace the soil and remember to prune off some of the top. That way the tree wont get stressed. By doing all these things you should have a happy lemon. You may also end up with a tree that produces more fruit! I hope you find this info. helpfull. I'm sure that you will get some more advice from other people. I just wanted to tell you what I do for success.

My meyer lemon isn't as old as yours, but I had the same problem last winter. Lost every leaf. Luckily spring came. Put it outside in the direct warm sun light, and it recovered. By this last fall it looked great.

Before bringing it in this winter I did some research and decided to change the soil. I used an organic (store bought) potting soil mix, perlite, and sand. Probably 3 parts organic potting soil mix, 1 part perlite, and 1 part sand. I'm also using a plastic container. Brought the tree in during the fall, and started misting the leaves daily. Also, I haven't been watering the tree nearly as much as last year. I check to make sure the soil is drying out before watering lightly.

As for light this winter, I have been using a 26 watt (100 watt incandescent equivalent) compact florescent "daylight" bulb (6500 degrees K), bought at Lowes. I have it in one of those clamping workshop light fixtures with an aluminum hood to direct the light. Have it on 10-12 hours a day. The tree is also in a south facing window this winter. Had it in east facing window last year.

The difference: last year I almost lost the tree, but this year I lost only one leaf, and the tree is covered with flowers right now.

Like Andrew wrote, you should have drainage holes. Citrus needs quick draining soil, and if you overwater, that water needs to go somewhere, rather than giving your tree root rot. Most plants and trees need repotted every 3 to four years, at least. Some every two years. I also agree with Andrew on the pruning of the root ball and top when repotting. Good luck!

Hi Andrew & drupmcp,
Thank you both for the quick response and the advise. This is the third pot it is in so I guess I have been repotting about every 2 yrs (I know, I wasn't clear on this) but this is the first one that did not have drainage. I will get another pot and new soil. I also have a problem this year with spider mites on the lemon and I have tried numerous products to no avail. So far it does not seem to have spread to my other plants but the room that this plant is in is full of orchids and I don't want spider mites on them. It now has lost about 3/4 of it's leaves, the rest are yellow. I do have 1 large lemon, 5 smaller ones and at least 25 blossoms. But I am sure only a couple of those blossoms will go to fruit. I can't move it to a full south facing window but I will try the grow light bulb and see it that helps. Should I repot now or wait until I put it out for the summer?
Thanks again.

Hi..You said you can't get rid of the mites?

Try this and it will work...

Take it into the shower every couple of weeks, and rub each leaf with your fingers as the water sprays on it.

Then to avoid a future blow up and kill the remaining ones left behind, use "Neem oil", or soapy water, or "Murphies oil soap", or even a "Safers soap pesticide", and spray it every 3x in 2 weeks..

Then if you can, get some of those floor fans or one, and face the fan blowing at your plants so that the underneath of the leaves get a constant breeze, especially after a spray of water. You will very happy to see them say "good riddance"!

Mike..:-)

Thank you Mike!! I guess my lemon needs a shower :)