Help! I think my 2 yr old lemon tree is in shock!

9 years ago

This plant was doing fine until I trimmed off a huge sucker- about as tall as the main stem (I'm new to this).. and decided to repot it (using mostly its own soil). Immediately after these changes the leaves turned downward and feel very brittle. It has been about one week and no leaves have fallen off, but these yellow/ brown spots have developed. I can feel moisture several inches under the soil, so I drilled several holes in the bottom of the pot. Over the last few days with these brittle leaves I have kept my tree in the shade and have not been watering. I'm not sure if I should keep it in the sun, water it, or what to do. Also, any advice as to how to aerate/ dry out the soil without causing any more trauma to the roots/tree? thank you

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Comments (9)

Newtster
9 years ago
Hi Olly. I am not an expert on Lemon trees but the soil looks dry to me. How long has it been since you watered it? I think after repotting you should keep it watered. It is good that you are keeping it out of the direct sun. Have you fertilized it laterly?
poncirusguy6b452xx
9 years ago
I would be inclined to soak the entire pot in water for a half hour and then let it drip dry above ground before putting it back in place. Watch the tree and when it dries out some water.
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Newtster
9 years ago
Hi Steve!! Thanks so much for your help!!! Do you think the yellow spots are from lack of water or should it be fertilized?

Laura
poncirusguy6b452xx
9 years ago
Just get it soaking now and a week or when the top surface of the soil is dry then feed it. It is important that you get all the air pockets out when you re-pot.
olly805
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the advice! I am a little nervous to drench it since the deep soil has been damp and I have read that citrus doesn't like to get soggy. Is there a way to tell if the root rot is occurring without causing more trauma to the tree? If the soil is already damp should I still water?
liamkelly Zone 6b Rhode Island / 5b Massachusetts
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
The yellow/dead spots are caused by the leaves not getting enough water. As long as the top few inches are dry, you're fine watering. The whole pot can't dry out or else the plant would die! So it's fine that the deep soil is damp, that's how it's supposed to be! Also, next time you have a sucker, avoid repotting it soon after... it looks like it could've gone without repotting for another season.
Newtster
9 years ago
A lot of citrus have shallow root systems so they are close to the top. Moist is good. I know how you feel. I overwatered a grapefruit tree and it took me awhile to feel comfortable with the watering, but you'll get the feel of it with time. Keep us posted!!!
olly805
Original Author
9 years ago
Still in need of help: The tree/ leaves/ soil hasn't changed at all other than a few leaves have fallen off. The leaves are still brittle and some have yellowing/brown spots and the top of the soil is dry, but when I dig about 3 inches down it is damp. Again, I'm not sure if I should water it. Would miracle grow be a good idea at this point? About a week ago I watered it with 'Superthrive' (a vitamin additive)- other than that I have never provided nitrogen or any other 'supplements'. Any further suggestions?
Newtster
9 years ago
Hi Olly, remember that roots can be close to the surface so three inches of dry soil on top may be too dry. Keep it moist but not soggy. How long ago did you repot it? They do take some time to recover from that. Hopefully Steve will reply, he is really good and has awesome advice!!! Have a great evening!!

Laura

Help! I think my 2 yr old lemon tree is in shock!

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Help! I think my 2 yr old lemon tree is in shock!

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Newtster

poncirusguy6b452xx

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olly805Original Author

liamkelly Zone 6b Rhode Island / 5b Massachusetts

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