lemon tree flowers not thriving :(

18 years ago

Dear all,

I got my dwarf lemon tree 6 months back and it was flowering healthily then.

In my place the flowers became very pathetic, buds stay closed, turn brown and dry and drop off. Lately I see a small (.5cm) green spider on it (still there), and once a large fruit fly. I don't see any aphids...they used to be there few months back, but I'm sure I sprayed it all off then with water.

There's also thin spidery web lines around, but I wonder if it's from that resident spider...

Can someone advise what is causing this sickly flowers symptom?

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Comments (6)

Millet
18 years ago
Sounds like the tree has or had spider mites. You will have to look extremely close on the thin spidery webs, as spider mites are extremely small. From the symptoms that you write about your tree's root system could possibly also be damaged and cannot supply the tree with enough water. To check your roots just slip the tree from the container and take a look at the root system. The roots should have new white growing tips on the root ends. - Millet
weeddummie
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for the reply Millet. I'll try to search closer for spider mites...they're supposed to look like red dots right?

Is there any natural 'pick-me-ups' for lemon trees if it's a possible minute pest? I would not like to spray pyrethrum on it if i can help it.

If the root system is damaged...is it easy to tell what the cause is? The plant is now in a large pot, so moving it might be quite hard on my own.

The leaves look clean and green, except for an occasional one or two leaves that seemed nibbled a bit.
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weeddummie
Original Author
18 years ago
Since it's already spring here, I see lots of new buds growing (i have removed the sickly flowers)...fingers crossed it'll be a healthier. I am also watering the lemon tree more, and put a bit of recommended fertiliser by the nursery.

Anyway...with the spider web issue, I realised that (despite cleaning it out before) new webs are forming, but I don't think it's by spider mites as I can't see them. Instead, there's another resident spider there (5mm spider) of arachnid origin I think - happily webbing away as I look in dismay... I am very curious...are spiders *staying* in your lemon tree a bad sign?
garnetmoth
18 years ago
watering more is not necessarily good. If the soil is still moist an inch or 2 below the soil, you probably do not need to water it again.

how big is the pot? Much larger than the rootball fills? Ive heard mixed reviews, but unless youre careful about watering, much too large pots sometimes allow things to get stagnant and can lead to root rot.

You used some fertilizer? you dont fertlize regularly? that could be the cause. I know some here are planting in manure or worm castings, and using compost tea or fish emulsion, OR osmacote or acid fertilizer plus microminerals. If your plant is not in a nutrient rich soil, and is not getting regular ferts., that is likely the reason it looks poor.

follow the directions on the box, or ask, and fertilize at regular intervals. It may take 1-2 months for it to start looking noticably better.
weeddummie
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for the reply garnetmoth. I was also wondering if it is lack of fertiliser, but I did put it in a 35cm pot (it is a drawf tree that grows up to 1m, this size was flagged ok by the nursery I got it from) in a recommended potting mix. I didn't realise that I'll need to fertilise that regularly if I'm using slow-release type fertiliser. The neighbouring plants have aphids that I'm trying to control with flour though, so I'm still conscious if it's a possible pest there. But first, to try and feed it properly :) I also water deep about 2x a week.
birdsnblooms
18 years ago
Weed, first, it's not a good idea to feed a plant if it has insects, (plant bugs,)
Spider mites come in a variety of colors..red is one, but there are others..
Mites are also small, some ppl say microscopic.
To check, place a white sheet of paper under different stems/leaves, tap while holding paper under the leaf/stems..Then check paper..If mites are present, you'll see tiny specks on paper..red, green black, etc.

I wouldn't use any harsh chemicals, especially if you plan on eating the fruit. A good spray of water either via hose or in sink a few times a wk should rid them.
If you mist citrus, add 2 drops of dish soap in water, and spray away.

Do not water soil more unless soil is dry. Overwatering not only can kill a plant, but invites pests, starting from the common fungus gnat and up to more plant-killing bugs. Make sure soil drys between waterings, and if possible spray leaves daily for humidity. Good luck w/your lemon..Toni