I am seeking advice about my 7-year-old Meyer lemon. It has always been leggy and fairly bare ever since I got it. The attached photos were taken yesterday and are typical of it's healthiest summer state (it often drops most of its leaves in winter). I have noticed that some of the leaves are getting a bit yellowish, including a couple that look brown on the underside edge. The plant hasn't been repotted for a little over 3 years, though to me the pot still looks like a good size for the plant. Should it be repotted, and if so can it be done now in summer or should I wait for another time of year? What does it look like this plant needs? And is there a way to encourage the growth of more branches and leaves to fill it out? Thank you for any advice! Alicat
How often do you fertilize it? Are you using a fertilizer with trace minerals? As for the winter leaf drop (WLD), you are probably exposing the tree to direct sunlight while the roots are cold. You would actually be better off to put the tree in a basement without light for the winter unless you provide some heat for the roots. You can search this forum for more info on WLD. Skeet
It has been regularly fertilized with a regular houseplant fertilizer, but I recently acquired a citrus fertilizer with trace elements that I'm about to start using. Do you think that will cause the plant to fill out and look greener? What about repotting (necessary, and if so when)? Thanks, A
A containerized tree needs to be transplanted EVERY YEAR, or the roots need to be root pruned, new growth medium added, and the foliage balanced. Root bound begins at that point where the growth rate of the tree begins to decline due to root intermingling and congestion, and a decrease in oxygen and available space for further root development. It continues to the point where tree growth CANNOT BE STIMULATED to proceed at even modest rates, regardless of fertilizer, water, light, or temperature conditions. The greater the decline in tree growth and tree vigor due to root congestion and decreased root activity, the more difficult it will be to establish the tree in a larger container when transplanted. A key point to remember is that once a citrus tree's normal growth is restricted, for any reason, the tree will never catch up with trees that have not been restricted, assuming all other factors are equal. My bet is, if you slip the tree from the container and examine the root system, you will not see any white root tips. The emphasis on white root tips, visible when the container is removed, cannot be over emphasized. The white roots play a key role in establishing the tree when transplanted either into a larger container or in the landscape. When properly and CAREFULLY done, a citrus tree and be transplanted at any time of the year. Right now is a particularly good time to transplant. When transplanting you will need to clean up any circling roots, and tease away 1/2 inch of soil to assist the roots growing into the new growth medium. Be sure to follow the 4 inch rule if you attempt to transplanting. My guess is that the present value of your tree is as a through away tree, and not worth growing on. - Millet
Oh dear. Now I'm feeling quite sad that I've mishandled my tree. I have been living overseas for 3 years and this was the one houseplant that I felt really attached to, so I left it with a family member. For some reason I was under the false impression that citrus trees like to be rootbound and didn't need yearly repotting, so I assured my relative that it could be left until my return (now). I can't bear the thought of throwing away my tree. I guess I'll repot it as you suggest, Millet, and hope for the best.
