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
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.
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?
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
I have the same issue with my small potted meyer Melissa, did you find the solution to downward curled leaves?
@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.
