Lemon trees can grow outdoors in a backyard or indoors in a container. However, caring for a lemon tree comes with its own challenges. Indoor lemon trees may struggle with insufficient sunlight or humidity, while outdoor trees can face pests, extreme temperatures, and soil issues. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common issues and how to address them to keep your lemon tree healthy and thriving.
Indoors Growing Conditions: Meyer Lemon Tree
Lack of Sunlight
Lemon trees are sun-loving plants that need at least 8–12 hours of bright light daily. When grown indoors, they may not receive enough sunlight, leading to slow growth, weak branches, and poor fruit production.
- Place your lemon tree near a sunny, south-facing window.
- If natural light is insufficient, supplement with a full-spectrum grow light.
- Rotate the plant every few days to ensure even light exposure.
Lack of Fruit Or Flowers
If your lemon tree is growing well but not producing fruit, here’s what could be wrong:
- Too Much Nitrogen: (often from lawn fertilizers) promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowers and fruit. Use a balanced citrus fertilizer.
- Poor Pollination – If your tree is indoors or lacks pollinators like bees, hand-pollination may be necessary. Use a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers.
- Tree Age – Young trees (under three years old) may not produce fruit yet. Be patient and ensure proper care.
Temperature Fluctuations
Lemon trees prefer consistent temperatures between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Sudden changes in temperature, such as cold drafts or heat from radiators, can cause stress and leaf drop.
- Keep your lemon tree away from heating vents, radiators, and air conditioners.
- Avoid placing the plant near drafty windows or doors in winter.
- Maintain a stable indoor temperature to prevent stress.
Watering
Watering mistakes are one of the biggest reasons lemon trees struggle indoors. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering causes dry, brittle leaves.
- Check the soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger about an inch deep—if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
- Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent excess moisture retention or placing a small humidifier near the pot.
- Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Poor Pollination
Indoors, there are no natural pollinators like bees or wind, which means flowers may not turn into fruit without assistance.
- Use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to hand-pollinate flowers by gently transferring pollen from one flower to another.
- Give your tree a gentle shake to help distribute pollen.
Growing Lemon Tree Outdoors
Watering
Lemon trees need regular watering, especially in hot climates but being waterlogged also can stress the tree, leading to dry leaves or lack of fruit.
- Keep soil evenly moist when the top layer of soil is dry but not extreme watering.
- Utilize a potting mix that allows for proper drainage to avoid holding too much moisture.
- Make sure your container has drainage holes to allow excess water to flow out.
Cold Damage
Lemon trees are sensitive to cold. If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), which can cause leaf drop, brown spots, and stunted growth. To prevent cold damage:
- Cover the tree with frost cloth or burlap during cold nights.
- Mulch around the base to protect roots.
- Move potted trees indoors during winter months.
Sunburn
Yes, lemon trees can get sunburned! If leaves or fruit develop brown, scorched spots, they may be getting too much direct sunlight, especially in hot climates or drought season.
- Provide partial shade during extreme heat.
- Whitewash trunks and branches with diluted white latex paint to prevent sun damage.
Yellowing Leaves Due To Nutrition
Lemon trees need the right balance of nutrients to thrive. Leaves turning yellow, poor growth, and fruit drop could indicate a deficiency in nitrogen, magnesium, or iron.
- Use a balanced, citrus-specific fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
- Supplement with Epsom salt if magnesium deficiency is suspected.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pest & Diseases
In spring and summer, a lot of growing pests and insects can harm plants and lemon tree, including:
- Aphids – Small, sap-sucking insects that cluster on new growth. Spray them off with water or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites – Tiny pests that cause speckled leaves and webbing. Increase humidity and apply neem oil. Check out top best neem oil for plants here!
- Citrus Leaf Miners – Larvae that create squiggly lines in leaves. Prune affected leaves and use neem oil to prevent further infestation.
Root Rot
As your lemon tree grows, its roots can become cramped in the pot, leading to slow growth and nutrient deficiencies.
- Check the roots annually to see if they are circling the pot.
- Repot the tree into a slightly larger container every couple of years.
- Use fresh, well-draining soil when repotting to provide essential nutrients.
Conclusion
Growing a lemon tree indoors comes with its fair share of challenges, but with the right care, it can thrive and produce delicious citrus year-round. By addressing common issues like light, watering, humidity, pests, and nutrients, you’ll set your lemon tree up for success. Keep an eye on its needs, and soon enough, you’ll be enjoying the rewards of fresh, homegrown lemons in your garden!