Growing a lemon tree in a container is possible if you follow a few basic rules. For indoor growing lemon trees, you want to pick a dwarf variety, such as Ponderosa dwarf, Lisbon, or Meyer improved dwarf.
As far as the watering frequency of the indoor lemon tree is concerned, the rule says that you should check the top of the soil to determine when to add more water. If you find the top two inches of the soil are dry, feel free to water your lemon tree. How long it takes between two waterings is something that relies on a series of variables.
How to Tell if Lemon Tree in Pot Needs Water?
To see if your potted lemon tree needs water, plunge your finger into the top level of the soil. If you notice the soil is dry two or three inches deep, you have to add water.
A key point to mention is that the frequency of watering for your lemon tree might change as time passes. That’s because many variables contribute to how thirsty a plant is, from humidity to temperature changes.
Also consider that, as the plant grows, its need for water also changes because it needs more to sustain itself. If the plant is located in a room with low humidity, water will evaporate much faster which makes the soil dryer in no time. That means that you have to pay attention to the watering needs of your lemon tree in a pot.
How Do You Know When Your Lemon Tree in Pot is Sufficiently Watered?
Make sure to track the watering needs of your lemon plant for a few weeks before you can make up a watering habit. The needs of the plant will vary based on factors such as environmental conditions or soil dryness. People usually water their potted lemon trees once between three to seven days.
Can You Overwater Lemon Tree in Pot?
Though potted lemon trees require a lot of water, you must be careful not to overwater them. When the soil is overly wet for an extended period, the tree’s roots will begin to decompose due to the lack of oxygen. This could potentially lead to a fungal infection and root rot. Sadly, lemon trees that end up suffering from overwatering are unlikely to be saved.
Potted lemon trees are quite easy to overwater if water gets trapped on the sides of the container. When lemon trees are planted into the ground, water will dissipate further into the soil, so it’s less likely to be overwatered.
The key to avoiding overwatering is to only give your potted lemon tree water when it needs it. And plant in a pot that comes with proper drainage.
What are Signs of an Overwatered Lemon Tree in Pot?
If your potted lemon tree leaves begin to turn yellowish, this may be an indication that you have overwatered the plant. The leaves will ultimately begin to fall from the plant, and the roots will turn mushy and black in appearance.
How Long Can a Lemon Tree in Pot Go Without Water?
Because of their subtropical nature, lemon trees are plants that can tolerate heat and drought. While we can’t specify how much drought is too much, we can tell you that underwatering the plant shows visible signs so you can identify if not enough water is ever a problem.
Should Lemon Tree in Pot Soil Be Moist?
Citrus trees that are grown in a container prefer evenly moist soil. Adding too much or too little water to a lemon tree in a container won’t always put it in peril but it will impact the level of harvest.
Why is Lemon Tree in Pot Turning Brown/Yellow?
If the leaves on your lemon tree are turning yellow, the first thing to consider is underwatering. If your yellow leaves also look shriveled, too little water is surely the cause. Leaves turn yellow as a sign of tress. If you’re growing a lemon tree indoors, different conditions (like heating or AC units) will extract moisture from the plant sooner than usual.
The leaves on your potted lemon tree could also turn yellow due to a lack of fertilizer. This is especially prevalent for lemon trees grown in containers since the soil in the pot has a limited capacity, resulting in fewer nutrients available for the roots to take up and grow.
Another potential reason for lemon tree leaves turning yellow is the exposure to low temperatures. Mature lemon trees are more resistant to low temperatures than younger ones.
Why is my Lemon Tree in Pot Droopy?
In most cases, seeing the leaves drooping on a lemon tree is one of the first symptoms of a sudden stress response. When it comes to plant stress, it can be produced by a range of factors, some of which should be taken seriously and others that are often considered harmless.
Lemon tree leaves can droop when exposed to extreme heat or cold, or when the light source is changed. A plant’s drooping tends to be more pronounced in its young leaves or newly formed shoots.
Leaf drooping is a sign of underwatering that might occur occasionally. Remember to check the first two inches of the topsoil to determine if your lemon tree could use more watering.
The drooping and sad appearance of your lemon tree’s leaves may be a sign that your tree is deficient in essential nutrients. Citrus trees grown in containers are more susceptible to this problem compared to those planted in the ground.
Does Lemon Tree in Pot Need Fertilizer?
Apply a specific citrus fertilizer once a month throughout the spring and summer growing seasons to maintain healthy leaves and to encourage the development of blooms and fruits. Be mindful of how much fertilizer you apply because overfertilization can cause the leaves of the lemon tree to turn yellow.
How Much Sunlight Does Lemon Tree in Pot Need?
Lemon trees require at least four hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. However, they will only develop and reach their full potential if they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. While a lack of sunshine will not necessarily harm your plant, it will cause it to grow at a slower rate.
Furthermore, if you don’t have enough sunlight, your lemon harvest won’t be as thrilling. Lemon trees require sunlight to survive, and a lack of sunlight will undoubtedly threaten their survival.
Will Temperatures and Humidity Affect Lemon Tree in Pot?
As far as temperatures are concerned, you want to keep lemon trees at 77 top 86 degrees. As long as you can mimic the Mediterranean climate, you should be good to go.
Lemon trees like to stay in an averagely-humid environment but the humidity level needs to be at least 50 percent for this plant to thrive. Don’t be afraid of the occasional misting as it helps reduce the amount of moisture loss a potted lemon tree can experience.
Will Lemon Tree in Pot Survive in the Winter?
Lemon trees planted in a pot will be subjected to way more stress compared to those planted in the ground. One such situation surfaces come winter. That’s because an in-ground lemon tree can tolerate a little cold and frost, but a tree planted in a container can’t.
Final Thoughts
While indoor lemon trees are not likely to give you lemons that you can sell in the farmer’s market, they are a great addition to your home if you love the idea of caring for such a plant. Please keep in mind that lemon trees in pots are subjected to more stress compared to those grown in the ground.
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Janice is a retired High School teacher who is spending her leisure years keeping busy with all sorts of projects. Aside from freelance writing, she’s an enthusiastic amateur chef, home wine maker, and tends a large raised-bed vegetable garden, while at the same time running a Bed & Breakfast.