Reasons for Lemon Tree Leaf Drop and Fertilization Methods After Fruiting

Lemon trees are a type of fruit tree that many gardening enthusiasts like to grow, first because of their fresh fragrance, and second because they can be used for juicing or in cooking dishes. So, is a lemon tree suitable for growing indoors or outdoors, and what care points need attention?

Actually, lemon trees can be grown both indoors and outdoors; as long as you take good care of them, they can still be full of fruit. It is recommended that whether indoors or outdoors, you should choose a sunny spot for growing, because placing it in a shady area will cause continuous leaf drop, and eventually it will come to nothing. For indoor growing, the ideal temperature is 18-24°C, and the watering principle is to keep the soil slightly moist, avoid waterlogging, and reduce watering in winter. As for fertilizing, it is recommended to apply a fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus once a month from spring to autumn.

For those who have the conditions to grow them outdoors, pay close attention to temperature changes. If it is below 0 degrees, remember to move them back indoors. You also need to prune the branches regularly to encourage branching and shape. As for watering, in hot summer weather you need to water frequently. If you want the lemon tree to grow up healthy and happy, fertilizing is essential. It is recommended to apply compound fertilizer or peanut bran once every half month, and try to alternate the two fertilizers. After the lemon tree bears fruit, you can apply organic fertilizer.

Regarding pest problems on lemon trees, generally speaking, April to June each year is the high-incidence season. If you find rotten leaves during this period, it is recommended to give priority to spraying some pesticide. For killing red spider mites, you need to buy one containing the ingredient pyridaben; for killing ordinary insect eggs, you need to buy one containing the ingredient cypermethrin.

As for when to repot a lemon tree, this situation requires considering two aspects. First, consider whether the soil's water absorption is normal and whether there is soil hardening. You can poke the soil with chopsticks; if it is dry and hard, it proves that you need to replace it with looser, better soil. Second, consider the aesthetic issue. Many gardening enthusiasts want to repot as soon as they buy it, but in fact this is not recommended. If you must repot, you can repot the lemon tree together with its root system, and try to move slowly during the operation so as not to damage the roots. For the new soil, it is best to use fertile soil containing wood chips, so that the new and old soil can combine together and reduce the lemon tree's discomfort after repotting. Finally, remember to water it.