Hi and welcome fellow Citrus growers!
One of the questions I often receive is "Why are the Leaves Yellow" on my Citrus Tree? More often, specifically on the Meyer Lemon Tree which is the most the most popular of all Indoor Citrus trees.
We will address what causes the leaves to turn yellow and the specific remedies to correct this common issue.
Reason #1: NATURAL SHEDDING AND LEAF DROP:
It is common for the leaves at the bottom of the tree or in the interior that are not receiving much sunlight to naturally turn yellow and drop. If you only have a few yellow leaves in those locations then that is natural and part of the trees normal leaf shedding process and poses no concern.
Reason #2: EXTENSIVE YELLOW LEAVES THROUGHOUT THE TREE WITH LEAF DROP:
This is normally caused by an overwatering situation and/or poor drainage. When the roots sit in soggy soil they will begin to rot and they will lost their ability to carry nutrients up to the canopy of the tree. You may need to change your pot out with good drainage holes and if you re-pot make sure the potting soil you use is lightweight and does NOT contain wetting agents. Secondly, amend your watering and fertilizing as noted below to get your plant on a healthy path (It will take several months to correct this issue, be patient).
Reason #3: YELLOW AND MOTTLED GREEN LEAVES THROUGHOUT THE TREE:
This is an indication that your plant needs some food. I recommend you feed your plant at least every (3) months but to really give your a plant a "POP" feed monthly starting in March all the way through November. Proper plant food and watering coupled with sunshine will help your plant thrive and aid in its blossoming/fruit production.
WATERING:
Consistency is the key with citrus watering. Citrus trees require soil that is moist but never soggy. Watering frequency will vary with soil porosity, tree size, and environmental factors. DO NOT WATER IF THE TOP OF THE SOIL IS DRY WITHOUT CHECKING THE SOIL AT ROOT LEVEL! A simple moisture meter, available at garden supply stores, will read moisture at the root level. This inexpensive tool will allow you to never have to guess about whether or not a plant needs water. It is better for the soil to be on the dryer side when you water.
A wilted tree that perks up within 24 hours after watering indicates the roots got too dry. Adjust the watering schedule accordingly. A tree with yellow or cupped leaves, or leaves that don't look perky AFTER watering can indicate excessive watering and soggy roots. Give your tree water less often.
Citrus prefer infrequent, deep watering to frequent, shallow sprinklings. Deeper watering promotes deeper root growth and strengthens your tree. Generally, once or twice a week deep watering works well for container specimens. Be sure to adjust based on weather conditions! In general, it is probably best to water in the morning, but if plants are dry or wilted it is better to water them right away than wait until morning.
FERTILIZER:
Citrus trees feed heavily on nitrogen. Your fertilizer should have more nitrogen (N) than phosphorous (P) or potassium (K). Use at least a 2-1-1 ratio (For example; a 15-6 -8 or 12-4-5 or 18 - 8-10 would work well ... remember you do not have to be exact, just try to find one that the first number is about twice as high as the other numbers). Miracid Soil Acidifier is a water-soluble product that works well and is a 3-1-1 ratio. In some regions, you may be able to find specialized citrus/avocado fertilizers. Buy a good brand and apply according to package directions. Osmocote slow release plant food is another good fertilizer.
Any good citrus formula will contain trace minerals like iron, zinc, and manganese. Many all-purpose products will work. Just add trace mineral supplements if your fertilizer is deficient. We prefer slow release fertilizers in the granular form rather than fertilizer stakes. Follow the instructions on the package carefully as fertilizers come in different strengths, release rates, and application schedules. We recommend that you fertilize more often than recommended with most slow release fertilizers. Foliar applications of trace minerals in the form of kelp or other soluble fertilizers can be effective.
Check out our Video Tutorials that cover many of these same issues by clicking here.
Wishing you great success with your Citrus Growing!
George
FAQs
Overwatering citrus can cause yellow leaves, leaf loss, damage to roots and fungus. Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.
How often should I water a lemon tree? ›
Keep the soil moist, not overly wet, but never let it dry out completely. You can get an inexpensive soil moisture meter online or in any garden centers — or just use your index finger. That works, too. During active growth, especially during outdoor summers, container lemon trees may need daily watering.
How to tell if a lemon tree is overwatered? ›
A tree with yellow or cupped leaves, or leaves that don't look perky AFTER watering can indicate excessive watering and soggy roots. Give your tree water less often. Citrus prefer infrequent, deep watering to frequent, shallow sprinklings.
Can you overwater a grapefruit tree? ›
A soil mix that holds water for too long of a period will likely oversaturate the delicate roots and ultimately damage your citrus tree's root structure. This can be known as "root rot". When the tree's roots do not have the opportunity to dry out between watering, it is an overwatered tree.
How do I know if my lemon tree is not getting enough water? ›
Crispy, dry leaves are the SOS signals of an underwatered lemon tree. If the leaves are curling inward while still green, it's time to up the hydration ante.
What are the signs of root rot in lemon trees? ›
Symptoms and Signs
These include reduced vigor, dull green leaf color, poor new growth, and twig dieback. If extensive root damage occurs, the leaves suddenly wilt and dry on the tree. The disease usually starts in larger roots and spreads into the crown.
How to revive a dying lemon tree? ›
Water your tree regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilise your tree with a citrus-specific fertiliser, and make sure you're not over-fertilising. Prune your tree in the spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to promote new growth.
Should I mist my lemon tree? ›
Misting your plants once or twice a day during the cold months will keep the foliage lush and help to ward off insects. You will want to keep your citrus moderately moist but not soggy. Your plants should be potted in a well draining soil; if you find your soil is too dense, add some perlite to the mix.
Can rain cause overwatering? ›
Drowning roots: The most common problem of too much rain is the same as over watering. The water can soak up the soil and drown the roots due to a lack of air circulation and oxygen. This attracts bacteria that can cause root rot.
Is Epsom salt good for grapefruit trees? ›
Epsom salt, chemically known as magnesium sulfate, is sometimes suggested as a supplement for citrus trees. It can be used to address specific nutrient deficiencies or promote certain aspects of plant growth.
Citrus trees often lose their leaves or turn yellow when they get overwatered. Let's talk about why, and what options you have for remedy. Overwatering can cause leaves to yellow due to lack of oxygen in the soil.
How often should a lemon tree be watered? ›
Potted lemon trees such as Eureka dwarf lemon tree and other dwarf lemon-lime tree needs to be watered twice a week. Frequent watering may be needed depending on the humidity, climate and the size of the plant.
Can a tree recover from too much water? ›
If you've identified the signs of overwatering in your tree, don't panic. There are steps you can take to help your tree recover and regain its health: Adjust Watering Frequency: Scale back on your watering frequency immediately. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Do lemon trees need sun or shade? ›
Citrus tree care rules dictate that your lemon tree should get at least eight hours of full sunlight daily. If you want to ensure that your fruit trees will bear their signature egg-yolk-colored fruit, allow your Meyer lemon tree to have as much sun as possible year-round.
How to keep a lemon tree healthy? ›
Once mature, lemon trees develop more drought tolerance. During the summer months, the soil should be kept moist, especially for young trees. Be careful not to cause waterlogging as boggy conditions are problematic. Overwatering results in yellowing leaves, which then drop, along with fruit drop and root rot.
How often does a lemon tree produce fruit? ›
Meyer Lemon Trees are the easiest citrus plants to grow indoors and they offer sweet scented blooms and fruit up to 4 times per year. Meyer lemon plants require no chill hours to fruit so they can be grown indoors all year-round.
Why are the leaves on my lemon tree falling off? ›
Abnormal leaf drop can be caused by several factors including exposure to extreme changes in temperature, lack of water, over watering, lack of nutrients or nutrients imbalance, wind, root disease, pests including insects and rodents, systematic diseases, or even damage from spraying.
