tobina, I had the exact same problem with leaf drop on my IML. I had left the tree in the 1 gallon pot in which I purchased it in late 2007. I was watering it once a week but it always seemed to be dry. I took it out of the pot and found that it was TOTALLY root bound to a degree which I have not seen before. I have my IML inside in a south window and I thought it was a light issue but after seeing the roots I repotted it. I did a drastic re-pot as I had to cut the root ball to untangle some of the roots. I lost about 50% of my leaves (or more) and 50% of the blossoms before the repot. The tree is now in a much larger pot and is very happy. No more of the flowers have dropped and after the repot I only lost about another 5% of the leaves. I do fertilize my IML with weak seaweed/fish emulsion solution (1 tsp in a gallon water). I saw so many different techniques on keeping citrus indoors in pots that my head was swimming. I decided to take matters into my own hands -and boy am I ever glad I did. Next time I buy a citrus plant I will surely knock it out of the pot at the store to check the root ball. Good Luck with your Meyer. DL

I really fell in love with citrus last year. Bought one Meyer lemon and have already eaten three from the tree. So. . . bought another Meyer this spring and a Key Lime. I fertilized them all (very lightly, not even a handful of 'citrus tone') the oldest Meyer Lemon' leaves are turning yellow and are dropping off (this tree has tiny fertilized lemons on it and flowers still in bloom ). The second Meyer Lemon the youngest just has its leaves turning yellow and dropping off. The Key Lime tree is holding its own. (It arrived as a skinny topiary shape) I've only seen them grow in the Florida Keys as a bush. Was the tiny handful of fertilizer the culprit?? All three live outside during the summer. I am in Newport, RI and we have been getting tons of rain. They are all potted in Al's Gritty mix. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Mrs. G

First, don't despair. Your Meyer, which by most standards is a bit sensitive when grown as a garden tree, has suffered from probably being too long in the same pot, from being moved to new light conditions, and then transplant shock being planted inground. The good news is now that it is in the ground, and in one place, it will recover nicely. FYI, since you planted it in the ground, the roots have been growing; first the roots grow, and after that the leaves and branches grow. Have a little patience, water it deeply about once per week in the Summer, and give it some good citrus fertilizer 3 to 4 times per year per label instructions. Keep us posted as it grows and produces blooms next Spring and fruit next November... yes, I actually know when it will bloom in Northern California, unlike many other latitudes and altitudes.

The leaves are curled but I assumed that was from the spider mites. They are mostly older leaves and interior most are yellowish some are green. As far as fertilizer I need some help in that area. I am having trouble finding a citrus fertilizer so have been using just a basic 20-20-20. Just fertilized a month ago.On my next trip to the city I plan on going to one of the big nurseries to see what they have. Our smaller ones don't seem to have what I need. I have been trying to keep the soil loose on top. My new growth leaves are a yellowish green but have been starting to green up a little. Is it normal for this much new bloom this time of year? Thank you so much for all of your help. I am feeling a lot more reassurred already.