A lemon tree, bot. Citrus x limon gives the balcony or terrace a Mediterranean flair in summer. The encore are its fruits. That’s why it’s all the sadder when the tree loses the lemons.
Table of Contents
causes
- care mistakes
- weather
- pest infestation
Depending on the situation of the plant, these three causes can also occur in combination. If, for example, a disease such as root rot occurs, this is a result of continuous rain (weather) or too much watering (watering). In this case, it is important to save the plant first and only then to change the conditions. In the example, this would be a change in watering behavior or a change of location to protect the lemon tree from rain.
Measures against weather influences
Although there is no herb against the weather, you can determine the influence of the weather on the lemon tree. Because a wrong location, i.e. too little sunlight, can lead to the loss of the fruit. Therefore, when the tree loses lemons, it should get one
- sunny
- also with blazing summer sun and
- rainproof
move location. If you cannot combine these two requirements, you should definitely give preference to the sun. If it rains continuously, you can put the tree in a sheltered place for this time. In these weather conditions, protection from rain takes precedence over light conditions.
Measures against care errors
If the lemon tree is in the right location and still loses its fruit, you should reconsider your care measures if no pests can be identified.
pour
What applies to the supply of nutrients can also be applied to the water supply. If you water too much or too little, the lemon tree will suffer from waterlogging or lack of water. Both ultimately lead to the dropping of the fruit. For quick help, apply the appropriate immediate measures. In the long term you should adapt your watering behavior to the needs of the plant.
nutrient deficiency
If the lemon gets the wrong care, deficiency symptoms often appear and the plant begins to ensure its own survival. The result is that it sheds energy-intensive parts of the plant, i.e. the lemons. Although lemon trees are among the weak-consuming plants, they cannot do without nutrients either. Immediate measures are:
- Immediately give the plant liquid fertilizer
- alternatively: transfer the plant to fresh soil
But even these immediate measures should be used with care, because too many nutrients damage the plant. You should therefore adhere to the dosage recommendations of the respective manufacturer when administering fertilizer. “Well intentioned” is the wrong approach here. If the lemon tree comes into fresh substrate, it does not need any additional nutrients in the first few months. Otherwise there is a risk of over-fertilization of the plant.
In order to permanently counteract a nutrient deficiency, you should start to fertilize the plant regularly. This way she can recharge her batteries for the development of new flowers and lemons. In the following year, during the hibernation, do not fertilize, proceed as follows:
- Fertilize regularly from March to the end of August
- ideally with a special fertilizer for citrus plants
- alternatively: liquid fertilizer for the irrigation water
- Additionally: repot every two to three years
lack of water
Immediate watering is the only remedy for water shortages. So that the water does not immediately evaporate again, but can penetrate deep into the substrate, you should place the lemon tree in a shady place for this immediate measure. If the size and weight of the plant allows, you can also place the tree in a container with water. It can easily absorb the water in a shady spot via the drainage hole on the bottom of the pot. If he has recovered after a few hours, put him back in the coaster to avoid waterlogging. Now he can go back to his usual place in the sun.
waterlogging
In the event of waterlogging, there is only one immediate measure that can be used to save the lemon tree with a bit of luck: the roots must be freed from the wet substrate. Proceed as follows:
- Lift the plant out of the wet substrate
- Carefully remove the roots from the soil
- Generously remove rotting roots
- Let roots dry
- Put the plant in a new substrate (and a dry pot).
- do not water
- Water the plant again for the first time after at least a week
You will see whether this rescue attempt was successful when the tree sprouts again. This requires patience as he needs to recover first.
Measures against pests
Pests of any kind weaken the lemon tree because they deprive it of nutrients. This is why the weakened lemon tree loses its fruit in the event of a severe infestation, as it can no longer supply it. Aphids are particularly annoying pests in the summer, while spider mites often cause problems for the tree in the winter quarters. Only one measure helps against this plague: a radical pruning of the plant. After that, take care of the tree as usual. As a rule, it drives out again after a few weeks or days.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this case, you don’t have to worry if you can rule out care errors and pests. Young lemon trees in particular tend to produce more fruit than they can actually provide. If the tree gets too much, it will drop the lemons. This natural process sets in after a few years.
This is because the tree’s roots are too wet or it lacks nutrients. In any case, you should initiate the appropriate immediate measures.
