Reverse Leaf Curl in Potted Meyer Lemon Tree

Discussion in 'Citrus' started by Melissa Street, Apr 19, 2020.

  1. Melissa Street

    Melissa Street New Member

    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    San Diego, California
    Hello,

    I am very new to this group and forum. I have not been able to find answers to a few questions regarding my 4 year old, potted Meyer Lemon Tree. I live in San Diego, California - it is currently April 2020 - yes, I am in quarantine like all the rest of the world.

    I planted my Meyer Lemon tree 4 years ago in this pot (See photos). I knew nothing about citrus trees and have tried my best to educate myself. This tree frequently brings me lemons - approximately a dozen a few times a year. This time I have over 40 lemons, but i have terrible reverse leaf curl - I have purchased a much larger, wooden barrel and want to repot it.

    Question 1: why is this this reverse curling happening?

    Question 2: can I repot this tree with these lemons growing or should I wait?

    I love this tree, it was a gift and I am so afraid it is dying.

    Thank you in advance to all who are able to give advice. I wish you continued health and wellness!

    Melissa

    upload_2020-4-19_11-11-20.jpeg upload_2020-4-19_11-6-34.jpeg upload_2020-4-19_11-7-3.jpeg upload_2020-4-19_11-10-23.jpeg upload_2020-4-19_11-11-20.jpeg
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2020
  2. Will B

    Will B Active Member

    Messages:
    285
    Likes Received:
    90
    Location:
    North Saanich
    There are many reasons citrus leaves can curl. Drought stress is a common one, as is a nutrient imbalance, and pests. I am not sure what 'reverse leaf curl' means, but based on the photos I will assume a downward leaf curl. If there are no pests (be sure to check very closely, with a magnifying glass, and under the leaves) and the plant is getting plenty of moisture, then it may be a nutrient imbalance. That usually means too much nitrogen vs potassium. You may want to consider giving it a fertilizer high in water soluble potassium and/or cutting back on nitrogen, but again check for pests first.
     
  3. Melissa Street

    Melissa Street New Member

    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    San Diego, California
    Thank you so much!! I will check for pests again! What are your thoughts of me potting in into a bigger planter now? Should I wait till after the lemons are ripe?
     
  4. Will B

    Will B Active Member

    Messages:
    285
    Likes Received:
    90
    Location:
    North Saanich
    It looks much too soon to repot it. Citrus like to be somewhat root bound, so the pot should stay smaller than you would expect for a given size plant. Also, the best time to repot is when the plant is not stressed as repotting will cause additional stresses. I recently added a page to my "growing citrus" pages that deals with transplanting (repotting) that you might find useful: Transplanting | Aprici
     
  5. Heppo

    Heppo New Member

    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Victoria
    I have the same issue with my small potted meyer Melissa, did you find the solution to downward curled leaves?
     
  6. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

    Messages:
    5,987
    Likes Received:
    608
    Location:
    Vancouver BC Canada
    @Heppo, according to Edible Plants - UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County:
    I noticed my Kieffer lime also developed such leaves at some time but all new leaves since then have been normal.
     

Share This Page