I’ve had my dwarf Meyer lemon tree for almost two years now, and although I was pretty sure I should repot it, I was hesitant because it was doing well, and I hated to upset the apple cart. However, recently while I was moving it from the sink to the plant stand and I dropped it! Now I had no choice but to repot.
I purchased a pot a little larger than the original at Home Depot.
I wanted something that was lightweight, the right size, and one with really good drainage. This one has several nice drainage holes and some feet to raise the pot. However, it also had this saucer attached to it which, although looks nice, may cause problems with water buildup. So, I removed it and replaced it with an inexpensive plastic saucer that was a little wider than the pot. This way I can see if there is any standing water, which you don’t want. Everything I’ve read about citrus trees, and many plants for that matter, is that they hate wet feet.
Upon removing the tree from the original pot, I noticed that the root ball looked pretty good. The roots weren’t winding round the ball, and had good color. It wasn’t overly dry, in fact, it was a little moist.
I removed any loose planting material before setting the tree into its new pot. Put some potting soil in the new pot first. Maybe about 1/4-1/3 full. I used a soil that was specifically designed for citrus trees out of convenience but a coarse well draining mix is recommended by the grower. Set the tree in the pot and continue filling with soil. You want there to be some room left at the top about 1.5 inches with the crown roots just above the soil line. Then give it a good watering, making sure that the water runs through the bottom. Gently tamp down the soil to remove any air pockets.
Once it has finished draining move it (don’t drop it) to its normal location. Mine is in the dining room now that the nights are colder. I have a full-spectrum bulb that is on a timer for 14 hours a day.
You can see I have a few lemons that will be ready to harvest soon. Some of my leaves are tipped with yellow. I believe this is because I’ve had the plant outside all summer and the weather was crazy. We had a lot of rain in the beginning, probably too much for the tree and then no rain so that required me to get out and water it. Also, I didn’t fertilize it as much this summer so that may have caused the yellowing.
Still you can see it is already starting to put on new growth.
It’s also flowering and boy do the blossoms smell great. For more information about growing Dwarf Meyer Lemon Trees in containers check out Four Winds Growers.
Carole West @ Garden Up Green says
I’m so jealous, I tried an indoor lemon tree once and it didn’t work out. Think it was lack of light even though I had them near the window. Our home is rather shaded so I don’t bother much with indoor plants. However we plan to sell in the spring so perhaps in the future I can try again. Pinning for later. This is an excellent tutorial on repotting. Thanks a Bunch!
Patti says
Thanks Carole. I know what you mean about lighting. I use a full spectrum light on several indoor plants but, I always say the next house will have more light and more sun in the yard.
Mona Wilkerson says
Hi Patti, thanks for your helpful tips on repotting a Meyer Lemon Tree. I have had my lemon tree for fours years and I repotted it right after I purchased it. The first year the tree produced 24 lemons and the second year 32 lemons but it appears that tree may be stressed out. It is time to purchase a new pot along with potting soil.
Thanks,
Mona
kim pinnix says
Hi Patti,
I was wondering if you use anything to keep pests away from the lemon tree? Mine had some white bugs on it & I wanted something natural to spray on it. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Patti says
Hi Kim,
Sounds like you have white fly. I have be fortunate enough so far to be pest free. I would try insecticidal soap. It is natural and known for helping with white flies. You can buy it at any garden center, big box store, probably at the hardware store. Make sure you spray under the leaves.
Maria Soyoso-Capuder says
I have the same issue with our dwarf Meyer lemon tree,we just had our backyard screen and still seeing some leaves that’s probably eaten by bug.Tried the homemade Insecticide found in some bloggers w/c “Dishwasher soap and Water,and spray it all over leaves -didn’t help at all.
Other issue,Patti-do you have ang recommendations in how to keep the tree hold up?Due to its fruits the three itself is bending down,I’m worried it might not hold to the weights of its fruits anymore.
Thanks Patti for posting this.Keep it up!
Patti Estep says
Hi Maria,
It’s always something, right? I hope you can get your dwarf Meyer back into shape. Regarding the weight issue. The only thing I can think of is to get a stake and tie it to the main trunk. My plant came with one and it really helps. The branches will still get heavy but so far it hasn’t been to much of an issue.
Thanks for your wonderful comment and have a great week!
Patti
Antoinette says
I have a lemon tree that is too large to bring indoors. What can I do to protect it from the winter?
Patti says
Antoinette,
I really don’t know enough to accurately help in this case. I would guess that would depend on where you live. I don’t think citrus tree would survive where I live. I suggest you try fourwindsgrowers.com which is where my lemon came from. They have a lot of good information on their site.
meyerslemontreegrower says
if you are in Los Angeles or the Souther California area you can get meyers Lemon trees from http://paradisenursery.com/product/meyers-improved-lemon-trees/
Geneva Johnson says
I have a Meyer lemon tree that is not doing well because of our hotter than usual summer and tons of rain. My lemons are bright yellow but only about the size of a fifty cent piece. The leaves are curling which makes it look like it needs water but we had about 2-3 inches of rain this morning and it was already very wet from rains earlier in the week. There are also no new blooms on it. I live about 100 miles North of Houston TX and we hardly get winter weather. It is October 22 and I feel if I don’t repot I will lose my tree. Help please
Patti Estep says
Hi Geneva,
I would try to move the pot out of the rain and let it dry out a bit if you can. I found that too much water really hurt my tree. Another thing I would suggest is after it dries out try fertilizing the plant with Miracid. You can find it at any nursery. Dilute it a bit and that may also give the plant a boost. Hope that helps!