If you’re thinking of growing a lemon tree in a pot, there are a few tips to help you keep it healthy and happy. First of all, you need a pot that has good drainage. You don’t want the roots to stay wet and rot, which will kill the tree. Also, your pot should be about 25% to 50% larger than the root ball. The best choice for pots for lemon trees is a ceramic pot, as it retains the moisture the plant needs.
Watering lemon trees regularly
When growing lemon trees in pots, one of the most important things that you can do is water them regularly. The more water you give the lemon tree, the healthier it will become. However, there are some conditions that may cause lemon trees to suffer from deficiency of water. When the soil is dry or has little humidity, the water will evaporate faster, causing the tree to suffer from the effects of drought.
When watering your lemon tree, make sure to make sure that the soil is dry enough and that you do not water the roots too deeply. You should let the soil dry a few days before you water it again. Ideally, your lemon tree should get at least an inch of water per day, but in some cases, it may need more.
Pruning off dead, damaged, and diseased branches
Pruning off dead, damaged, and dying branches is an important part of lemon tree care. It will direct the energy of the plant’s growth to the fruit it produces. If you leave your lemon tree unattended for long periods of time, it can produce fruit with split or withered skin. This is because the fruit is consuming energy that would otherwise go to the productive part of the plant. Therefore, removing the fruit from your lemon tree will redirect that energy to the fruits you will actually use. You should also remove any branches that are flagging or bearing inedible fruit.
You should prune your lemon tree regularly, and you should start by pruning the thin branches that don’t grow very large. Cut them at a 45-degree angle, but avoid damaging the main stalk. You can also prune off basal shoots, water sprouts, and suckers. Suckers are tiny, leafy growths on the lemon tree, and they often indicate that the soil bed is too shallow. These suckers take away the nutrients from the tree’s roots.
Avoiding insect problems with lemon trees
A key component to growing a lemon tree in a container is avoiding pests and diseases. Common problems include botrytis blight and anthracnose, which can cause damage to the plant. Botrytis blight is caused by a fungus known as botrytis cinerea, which thrives in high humidity. It lives on plant debris and is easily spread by wind and rain.
The female moths lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves and develop into caterpillars within a month. This pest will eventually affect the new growth and leaves attached to the stem. When this happens, spray neem oil on the affected leaves and stems. In some cases, multiple applications are necessary to kill the pests.
Avoiding root rot
When growing lemon trees in pots, it’s important to choose the right type of pot. A clay pot is a great option because it is inexpensive and durable. It can hold up better than a ceramic pot, since it allows water to drain properly. However, you have to be careful about freezing temperatures, as clay pots are more likely to break.
To avoid root rot, apply a slow-release fertilizer every two to three months. Apply this fertilizer around the base of the pot to allow it to permeate through the soil. This fertilizer is known as 2-1-1 fertilizer, and it promotes strong root growth. Use a slow-release fertilizer instead of a liquid one during the winter months.
Pruning off infected lemon trees
Pruning off infected lemon trees is a necessary step to prevent further disease. The disease, known as citrus canker, affects the plant’s leaves and can lead to holes and raised spots. It is a common fungal disease that damages lemon trees. Botrytis and root rot can also cause your lemons to have problems, but the symptoms will usually take time to appear and can be difficult to treat. If you see these symptoms, you should remove infected leaves immediately and apply a fungicide.
To prune lemon trees, make sure to use sharp pruning tools and disinfected pruning tools. Cut away excess branches and thin them to allow more light and air to reach the plant. It is important to leave about 1/2 foot of the tree’s mature branches when pruning.