How do I get a Meyer lemon to rebound?

14 years ago

Hi all,

I'm very new to citrus gardening (started in January), so I need some advice.

As I mentioned in another post (about re-potting Calamondins), I bought a Meyer lemon tree online. It arrived in the peak of health; absolutely gorgeous, with dozens of bloosm and very, very tiny baby lemons starting on it. (I think we all know where this story is heading, don't we? :-) Anyway, as I couldn't get to the store (snow), and I had to pot it right away, I used potting soil, with a layer of pea gravel in the pot bottom.I foolishly folded a paper towel over the drainage hole (so the gravel wouldn't leak out, figuring the paper would rot later). The seller did send instructions, which called for a topsoil/coarse sand mix, but, as I said, a snowstorm had started, It thrived for weeks, then the leaf drop started, but the plant looked, and still looks, healthy. Last Sunday, I re-potted it. The leaf drop seemed to abate for 2 days, but now most of the leaves are gone, despite a tiny new flower bud developing (all the other blooms dropped off,as did the baby lemons). Again, I stupidly put a new paper towel in the pot (this time, to keep the soil from making a mess while we carried the whiole thing indoors--about 6ft worth of plant + pot). Should I try to remove the towel? When I took the first one out, it was soaked with water, not decomposed. I think this may be the problem--it's holding in dampness near the roots. It's a shame I wasn't smart enough to think of that when I re-potted it on Sunday!

Any ideas on how to rejuvenate the plant? I see no signs of pests, and the plant looks healthy, except for one end of a branch; some of the tiny off-shoots look a bit brownish.

BTW, the Calamondin is doing GREAT--lots of flower buds, and even 3-4 new very tiny oranges (when it arrived, it had about 20 ripe ones, which I used, so these babies are new ones since I took care of it). It also has some new leaves.

Can someone help me? I don't want to kill the poor lemon tree!!! Thanks!

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Comments (3)

Andrew Scott
14 years ago
Hello Cara,
Well I am new to the meyer lemon but that paper towel was a bad idea. It will hold moisture for quite a long time, and it will keep thos roots wet which can help cause rot. If you are really concerned, then put a saucer under it. Also, I was told that gravel is a no-no. It can take up space for the roots, make pot heavier, and it won't help the soil drain better. When you water the soil should dry out in a day or to, if not then the soil is holding too much water and you will end up with root problems. How much light is it recieving, and what is the temp. it is growing in? If it is getting more than 6 hours of light, then temps can be above 60 degrees. If the temps are lower than 60 it should recieve less than 6 hours of light. That should help a lot but I'm sure Mike will give you more advice, he is one of the meyer experts here!
Andrew
aesir22
14 years ago
Ok, first of all, don't worry about the tree and don't fuss it. Always remember, plants want to live, and will try their hardest to do so.

It would have been best to pop it into a better mix, waiting a few days until you could get a good mix wouldn't have hurt. As it stands now, the paper towel has to be taken out. It is going to stop water drainage and retain moisture.

Citrus are notorious for dropping leaves after a repot. Leave it alone for a few weeks, let the roots settle. Give it good light, good humidity, and only water when the mix is on the dry side. If you fuss over it too much now, you run the risk of killing it.

I think it would be good for you to try growing some citrus from seed. You seem like I was when I first started, full of energy and enthusiasm. Citrus can take time to flower and fruit from seed (search other posts for indications) but it is immensely satisfying!! :)
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meyermike_1micha
14 years ago
I was wondering...Is there any way you can post a pic of the plant itself and the soil mix?

Why did you use pebbles on the bottom?

How much sun is it getting?

How long is it taking for the soil mix to dry out?

You said you see tips of a branch turning brown? This is a concern..Please post a pic if you can asap..;-)

I like what Andrew and aesir had to say.

How do I get a Meyer lemon to rebound?

Comments (3)

Andrew Scott

aesir22

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