Problem with potted Meyer Lemon from seed
I've been growing two Meyer lemon trees from seed for about the past year. One has been more successful than the other, growing a bunch of leaves. However, recently a couple of the leaves have started to turn yellow and curl downward like you can see here on the lower left:
Another leaf has also started to curl and appears like something else might be wrong with it too, with a somewhat brown tinge near the tip.
I'm worried there may be a pest, because I noticed a lot of tiny white larvae on the soil when I watered (but also thought they may just be springtails from some other posts I've read). You can see some of them collected in a little pocket of pooled water when I last watered. It's hard to see them clearly, but they were moving around in the water.
The other reason I was worried about a potential pest is that the other "tree," which hasn't done quite as well, has only two leaves that both have browning and what appears to be notches in the leaves.
I keep the two trees fairly close together on a south-facing windowsill, which is kept fairly warm overall (though I've noticed the side of the pot facing outside does get a little colder because of the window, so I try to rotate them). I do live in Massachusetts, so daylight this time of year isn't super long or powerful.
Any thoughts? A pest? Or just not watering properly (too much?)? Not enough light?
Comments (11)
johnmerr
6 years ago
Nick O
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoRelated Discussions
Re-pot or pot up meyer lemon?
Comments (4)Your roots are to the stage that potting up to a larger pot would be appropriate. The roots are not pot bound yet but I would cut through them vertically from top to bottom in several places about 2 inches deep when potting up. I would not consider bare rooting them. Orchid mixes are usually mostly fir bark and come in large size pieces or small. The smaller size I think would be OK for your tree. Most houses in the winter with the heat on become very dry and tend to draw the moisture out of the foliage. Do what you can to keep a reasonable humidity and rotate the containers to equalize the light. You will need to water about once a week with enough water that about 20% drains freely from the container. If your trees show signs of wilting between watering, shorten up the watering frequency slightly. If available locally look for citrus labeled fertilizer that lists the minors on the label. Watch for aphids or scale and if found take the containers outside, and spray thoroughly with Neem or horticultural oil. Al...See Morehelp! newbie with dwarf meyer lemon problems
Comments (1)Do the cuts occur where there leaves are discolored? Sounds like damage from shipping that you may have missed? Has it had any wind exposure?--that will sometimes shred a few leaves if it's strong. Scissor-like cuts sounds like mechanical damage. HTH. Can you post a pic?...See MoreLittle yellow spots on newly potted Meyer Lemon
Comments (2)Ray, it's hard to see yellow spots, but after expanding pics I think I see what you mean. The leaves look a bit pale. Bare-root plants need more adaption time and effort than plants shipped in soil. Add diluted fertilizer. Either Citrus or well-balanced for starters. Eg, 15-15-15 w/minerals. A dose of Epsom Salts should help too. Follow directions on ES's and fertilizer for dossage. You said you potted in topsoil. Do you mean dirt used for outdoor gardens? If so, topsoil is way too heavy for tropicals, or any house plant. It's not sterile, has weed seeds and possibly insects eggs and/or adults. Perhaps I misunderstood. What size container did you repot in? It's hard telling looking at online pictures. I'm unfamiliar with dwarfcitrus.com. Did you check www.gardenwatchdog.com for feedback? Also to see if they're still opened for business? Ray, for the time being, if you used outdoor topsoil, you'll need to repot to a lighter, well-drained soil. If I misunderstood, I'm sorry, my mistake. Second, fertilize. I deal with bare-root succulents, and to get them started, they need a little push which is what fertilizer does. Add Epsom Salts. Water only when soil feels dry, but not bone dry, especially since roots need to form. Good luck, Toni...See MoreDoes Meyer Lemon grow true from seed?
Comments (3)Aliel, as far as I know, Meyer's does grow true from seed..You would think the seller on Ebay could answer this question, especially since they're selling them..They should be able to answer this question..(S) Toni...See Morejohnmerr
6 years ago
Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoNick O thanked Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)
poncirusguy6b452xx
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoSeed grown Meyer lemon trees grow much faster than seed grown Meiwa kumquat trees. All my seed grown meiwa kumquat trees would have died if I did not give them extra light. These Meiwa trees are 53 weeks old as of photograph.
2 seed grown Meiwa kumquat trees above.
Examples of lighting setups below.
Fukushu kumquat and New Zealand lemond both grafted on US897 rootstock under its light setup. Fukushu is les than 5 months old since grafting and New zealand is less than 1 year old since grafting.
Light 16 hours a day = growth and life.
Steve
Nick O thanked poncirusguy6b452xxNick O
6 years ago
Vladimir (Zone 5b Massachusetts)