I received the tree as a gift twelve months ago. It has produced a lomon and more are on the way. However the leaves have developed a yellow fringing and it seems to be getting worse, I let the pot dry out before rewatering and I have been using citrus fertilizer as directed on the pack Any help would be appreciated Many Thanks EMH
The terra cotta pot may dry out too quickly between waterings, which may add stress to the plant. The fertilizer should only be applied when the potting medium has some moisture retained, so as to not burn the root system... You may also consider transplanting to a glazed pot...with good drainage. How long has the lemon stayed in this pot? It appears to have had a major pruning over the years which is probably why it is in a rather large pot for it's size. Overall, the plant looks healthy. I hope this helps.
Thanks for your Help It's been in the current pot about nine months. It arrived in April 08 as a gift in the post. It was in seven inch plastic pot and was pruned as shown in the photo. After about a month the yellow discolouration started. Not knowing anything about lemon tree growing. This is the sequence of attempts to cure it are as follows: 1. Thought I was overwatering so repotted into 12 inch terracotta pot (new potting material was 80/20 potting compost/perlite and reduced watering to about every ten days. 2. Every watering have fertilised with citrus fertiliser (summer mix March to October the remainder using winter mix) 3. No improvement so treated with sequestered iron 4. Had a good flowering in october but leaves still yellowing and only one fruit set. 5. Had one ripe lemon in December which wife skillfully converted to a lemon tart. 6. Jan 09 treated with Epsom Salts 7. Noticed brown on on tips of leaves so rinsed pot through with tap water. 8. End Jan 09 changed compost to proprietary citrus compost thinking that perhaps the ph was wrong. (roots are now at the edges of the 12 inch pot and would need trimmig to fit in a smaller pot) A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing Many Thanks EMH
I am not a citrus expert, just a successful hobby for the past 40 years...The previous caregiver my explain the pruning prior to you acquiring the Lemon tree. You have also taken corrective measures to facilitate vigour. The rooting cycle can take a few months before the top growth cycle can commence. The source, is it a reliable one? So many other variables, heat, light, humidity, heated air ducts... The terra cotta planter is not advised for indoor or out of doors, as it dries far too quickly, and fertilizing a bone dry citrus can burn the tissues, the yellowing can be also from nutrient deficiency as well as over ferilizing.., however you seem to have that in check.. You will receive more input from other ardent citrus growers both commercially and home hobbyists... thank you for the additional information.KB
