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Home > Plant Care Guide > Lemon

How to Care for Lemon

Lemon is a cultivated small evergreen tree known for its yellow, juicy, sour fruits full of citric acid. Its origins are unknown, but it was probably first created in India, China, or Burma as a hybrid of sour orange (Citrus × aurantium) and citron (Citrus medica). It is commercial fruit cultivated in warm regions around the world.

Symbolism

Purification, abundance, happiness, love

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight

Full sun

Toxic to Pets

Basic Care Guide

Water

Lemon tree likes moist environments. Water it twice a week when it's newly planted. After the plant matures, when and how often to water is determined by the size of the plant, the growth conditions, and the overall moisture level of the soil. In general, the plant doesn't need to be watered in rainy seasons. However, care must be taken to assure there's enough drainage to keep its roots from rotting. In non-rainy seasons, watering is necessary whenever the soil becomes dry. Avoid letting the soil stay dry for a whole day, as dehydration can cause the leaves to fall. If overwatered, lemon leaves may turn yellow and droop.

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What is the best way to water my Lemon?

Your Lemon will not be too picky about how you choose to water it. As such, you can use just about any common watering tool to moisten this plant’s soil. Watering cans, hoses, and even cups will work just fine when it is time to water your Lemon. Regardless of which watering tool you use, you should typically apply the water directly to the soil. In doing so, you should ensure that you moisten all soil areas equally to give all parts of the root system the water it needs. It can help to use filtered water, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to plants. It is also beneficial to use water that is at or slightly above room temperature, as colder or hotter water can be somewhat shocking to the Lemon. However, the Lemon usually responds well to any kind of water you give it.

What should I do if I water my Lemon too much or too little?

For outdoor plants, especially newly planted plants or plant seedlings, they can be prone to lack of watering. Remember that you need to keep watering enough for a few months when the tree is small or just planted. This is because once the roots are established, Lemon can rely on rain most of the time.

When your Lemon is planted in pots, overwatering is often more likely to.When you accidentally overwater your Lemon, you should be prepared to remedy the situation immediately. First, you should stop watering your plant right away to minimize the effect of your overwatering. After, you should consider removing your Lemon from its pot to inspect its roots. If you find that none of the roots have developed root rot, it may be permissible to return your plant to its container. If you do discover signs of root rot, then you should trim away any roots that have been affected. You may also want to apply a fungicide to prevent further damage. Lastly, you should repot your Lemon in soil that is well-draining. In the case of an underwatered Lemon, simply water this plant more frequently.

Underwatering is often an easy fix. If you underwater, the plant's leaves will tend to droop and dry out and fall off, and the leaves will quickly return to fullness after sufficient watering. Please correct your watering frequency as soon as underwatering occurs.

How often should I water my Lemon?

Most plants that grow naturally outdoors can be allowed to grow normally with rainfall. If your area lacks rainfall, consider giving your plants adequate watering every 2 weeks during the spring and fall. More frequent watering is needed in summer. In winter, when growth becomes slower and plants need less water, water more sparingly. Throughout the winter, you may not give it additional watering at all. If your Lemon is young or newly planted, then you should water more frequently to help it establish, and mature and grow up to have more adaptable and drought tolerant plants.

For potted plants, there are two main ways that you can determine how often to water your Lemon. The first way is to set a predetermined watering schedule. If you choose this route, you should plan to water this plant about once every week or once every other week. However, this approach may not always work as it does not consider the unique conditions of the growing environment for your Lemon .

Your watering frequency can also change depending on the season. For instance, a predetermined watering schedule will likely not suffice during summer when this plant's water needs are highest. An alternative route is to set your watering frequency based on soil moisture. Typically, it is best to wait until the first two to four inches of soil, usually ⅓ to ½ depth of the pots, have dried out entirely before you give more water.

How much water does my Lemon need?

When it comes time to water your Lemon, you may be surprised to find that this plant does not always need a high volume of water. Instead, if only a few inches of soil have dried since your last watering, you can support healthy growth in the Lemon by giving it about five to ten ounces of water every time you water. You can also decide your water volume based on soil moisture. As mentioned above, you should note how many inches of soil have dried out between waterings. A surefire way to make sure your Lemon gets the moisture it needs is to supply enough water to moisten all the soil layers that became dry since the last time you watered. If more than half of the soil has become dry, you should consider giving more water than usual. In those cases, continue adding water until you see excess water draining from your pot’s drainage holes.

If your Lemon is planted in an area that gets plenty of rain outdoors, it may not need additional watering. When the Lemon is young or just getting established, make sure it gets 1-2 inches of rain per week. As it continues to grow and establish, it can survive entirely on rainwater and only when the weather is hot and there is no rainfall at all for 2-3 weeks, then consider giving your Lemon a full watering to prevent them from suffering stress.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Lemon enough?

Overwatering is a far more common problem for the Lemon, and there are several signs you should look for when this occurs. Generally, an overwatered Lemon will have yellowing leaves and may even drop some leaves. Also, overwatering can cause the overall structure of your plant to shrivel and may also promote root rot. On the other hand, an underwatered Lemon will also begin to wilt. It may also display leaves that are brown or brittle to the touch. Whether you see signs of overwatering or underwatering, you should be prepared to intervene and restore the health of your Lemon.

How can I water my Lemon at different growth stages?

When the Lemon is very young, such as when it is in a seedling stage, you will need to give it more water than you would if it were at a mature age. During the early stages of this plant’s life, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist to encourage root development. The same is true for any Lemon that you have transplanted to a new growing location. Also, the Lemon can develop showy flowers and fruits when you give them the correct care. If your Lemon is in a flowering or fruiting phase, you will likely need to give a bit more water than you usually would to support these plant structures.

How can I water my Lemon through the seasons?

The seasonal changes will affect how often you water your Lemon. Mainly, during the hottest summer months, you will likely need to increase how much you water this plant, especially if it grows in an area that receives ample sunlight. Strong summer sunlight can cause soil to dry out much faster than usual, meaning that you’ll need to water more frequently. By contrast, your Lemon will need much less water during the winter, as it will not be in an active growing phase. During winter, you can get by with watering once every 2 to 3 weeks or sometimes not at all. For those growing this plant indoors, you should be somewhat wary of appliances such as air conditioners, which can cause your plant to dry out more quickly, which also calls for more frequent watering.

What's the difference between watering my Lemon indoors vs outdoors?

In some cases, your Lemon may not need any supplemental watering when it grows outside and will survive on rainwater alone. However, if you live in an area of little to no rain, you should water this plant about every two weeks. If you belong to the group of people who live out of this plant's natural hardiness zone, you should grow it indoors. In an indoor setting, you should monitor your plant's soil as it can dry out more quickly when it is in a container or when it is exposed to HVAC units such as air conditioners. Those drying factors will lead you to water this plant a bit more often than if you grew it outdoors.

Fertilizer

Lemon tree needs plenty of fertilizing to bear delicious fruits. If the soil where it's planted is barren, use some organic manure to increase nutrition in the fall when lemon stops growing. Before planting a young tree, add some organic fertilizer to the soil to guarantee a long-term supply of nutrients and help the plant grow lushly. Before it blooms, apply fertilizers with balanced nutrients (such as something with a 20:20:20 NPK ratio). When the plant begins to fruit, switch to a fertilizer with a high potassium and phosphorus content (such as a 10:30:20 NPK ratio), or KH2PO4. After harvesting the fruit, apply organic fertilizers once again to let the plant recover.

Lemon may not need added fertilizer if it is grown in a location with rich soil, but if any nutrients are lacking it is a good idea to supplement the soil with fertilizer. Lemon with insufficient nutrients produce fewer and less delicious fruits, so it is worthwhile to do a soil test and determine what types of fertilizer will benefit your Lemon most.

If the soil is rich in your area, it may not be totally necessary to fertilize. However, if the soil is lacking in nutrients, a Lemon will not be able to produce enough leaves, flowers, and fruits. A soil test is the best way to determine what nutrients are plentiful in the soil and what may be lacking. Nutrient deficiency in Lemon can cause small leaves and short branches, yellowing or bronze leaves, and more acidic (and therefore less delicious) fruits. Some types of nutrient deficiency can cause fruit to fall early or split.

Most types of Lemon grow in tropical locations that have a lot of decaying organic matter in the environment naturally. They can benefit from fertilizer to supplement their macronutrient and micronutrient needs. When growing Lemon for fruit, a high-phosphorus organic fertilizer such as mushroom compost,, bone meal and poultry manure supports the development of delicious and well-formed fruits.

Provide higher nitrogen and phospherus fertilizer to young Lemon to support strong leaf and root development for future growth. The best time to use fertilizer is during the spring of the first growing season. It is a good idea to incorporate compost or another fertilizer into the soil prior to or immediately after planting.For mature plants, supplement every few years as needed throughout the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer that addresses specific deficiencies in the soil in your area. Avoid fertilizing Lemon in the autumn or winter.

In general it is best to choose organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or compost over chemical fertilizers which can be overly harsh, especially on young specimens of Lemon. Be careful not to overfertilize, regardless of what type of fertilizer you use.When purchasing fertilizer, there will be a number (NPK) on the label with the ratio of the three macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Low nitrogen is the most common nutrient deficit in soil, but a soil test is the best way to know which types of nutrients might be lacking in your soil and require additional supplementation.

Follow any instructions on the fertilizer you choose. Using too little fertilizer is always preferable to using too much, so be conservative when adding fertilizers. This is especially important for chemical fertilizers, which are generally very concentrated compared with organic fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers are usually diluted with water which is then used to water the Lemon. Granular or dry fertilizers can be spread around the base of the plant, making sure not to allow any fertilizer to come into direct contact with any part of the plant. The most common practice is to use it once every 2-3 weeks in the growing season.Organic fertilizers can be mixed into soil prior to planting or can be spread in a layer over the top of the soil for newly-planted or mature plants.

Too much fertilizer causes Lemon to turn yellow and drop leaves. It could kill the Lemon entirely in severe cases. Checking the soil before you fertilize helps to avoid this issue. Fertilizer applied too close to the base of the plant can burn it because of the salts it contains. The first sign of too much fertilizer is when leaves turn brown at the tips. This is a signal to stop applying fertilizer and flush the water with soil to dilute the accumulated salts. Do a soil test before the next application to see what is happening with the soil. You may need to choose a different type of fertilizer or it may not be needed.

Avoid fertilizing Lemon after pruning, when it has disease or insects, or is otherwise stressed. Fertilizer only helps treat insufficient nutrients in soil, but cannot fix other issues that could cause problems in a Lemon. Proper diagnosis of the issue helps to avoid adding fertilizer when another cause may actually be responsible for the problem.Don't fertilize Lemon during winter, or at times during the summer that are particularly hot and dry.

Why do I need to fertilize my Lemon?

When is the best time to fertilize my Lemon?

For mature plants, supplement every few years as needed throughout the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer that addresses specific deficiencies in the soil in your area. Avoid fertilizing Lemon in the autumn or winter.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Lemon?

Don't fertilize Lemon during winter, or at times during the summer that are particularly hot and dry.

What type of fertilizer does my Lemon need?

When purchasing fertilizer, there will be a number (NPK) on the label with the ratio of the three macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Low nitrogen is the most common nutrient deficit in soil, but a soil test is the best way to know which types of nutrients might be lacking in your soil and require additional supplementation.

How do I fertilize my Lemon?

Liquid fertilizers are usually diluted with water which is then used to water the Lemon. Granular or dry fertilizers can be spread around the base of the plant, making sure not to allow any fertilizer to come into direct contact with any part of the plant. The most common practice is to use it once every 2-3 weeks in the growing season.

Organic fertilizers can be mixed into soil prior to planting or can be spread in a layer over the top of the soil for newly-planted or mature plants.

What happens if I fertilize my Lemon too much?

The first sign of too much fertilizer is when leaves turn brown at the tips. This is a signal to stop applying fertilizer and flush the water with soil to dilute the accumulated salts. Do a soil test before the next application to see what is happening with the soil. You may need to choose a different type of fertilizer or it may not be needed.

Sunlight

Lemon tree likes ample sunlight and grows best in open fields; growing in a shaded place makes it weak. It has low resistance to less favorable environmental conditions, which could lead to reduced numbers of flowers and fruits. Harsh noon sun and temperatures above 30 ℃ can cause lemon to suffer and lead to poor growth. To prevent this, you can keep it cool under a shading screen.

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How much/long should Lemon get sunlight per day for healthy growth?

For healthy growth, make sure that Lemon receives at least 3–6 hours of sun each day. This is actually a minimum requirement—most plants that can handle part sun can also thrive in full sun, but because they require less light for photosynthesis, they are more flexible than plants that require full sun or part shade.

What type of sunlight does Lemon need?

Lemon does best with exposure to full or part sun. They will perform best with direct morning light, but in summer they need protection from the strong afternoon sun. In temperate environments, too much hot afternoon sun can burn the leaves, damaging the plant's appearance and health.

Can sunlight damage Lemon? How to protect Lemon from the sun and heat damage?

Lemon planted indoors can easily be damaged by direct sunlight when it's moved outdoors. The best way to prevent sunburns from overexposure is to move pots gradually from a shaded area to a brighter spot, gradually. But even plants that are acclimated to the summer sun can be damaged by extreme heat. In a heatwave, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist so that plants can cope with excessive levels of heat. Moving plants in containers to areas with afternoon shade or erecting a shade cloth over them can protect sensitive Lemon during extreme weather events.

Does Lemon need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Lemon from the sun?

While bright morning sun and some full sun exposure can be highly beneficial for Lemon, the harsh, hot midday sun of summer can be too much to handle.

If planted in the ground, the summer sun will usually ramp up slowly enough through the season for Lemon to gradually adapt to its intensity. But a potted plant that has been indoors or in a protected location will often suffer injury when placed suddenly into a location where the direct summer sun reaches it in the hottest part of the day.

To protect this plant from the brutal afternoon summer sun, plant or place it in an understory location where it is shaded at midday by taller trees and plants or by a building or landscape feature.

What will happen if Lemon gets inadequate sunlight?

When Lemon receives too little sun, they may become pale green or display drooping, yellow leaves. While some leaf drop is normal, if leaves are dropping but no new ones are growing in to replace them, it is a sign that something is wrong. If Lemon receiving inadequate light does manage to grow, the new growth is often spindly, pale, and prone to insect infestation. Paying attention to these signs and changing the lighting conditions of the plant will make a significant difference.

Does Lemon need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Tender, new leaves are especially sensitive to sunburn. Bearing this in mind, very young Lemon and when it's in a strong growth phase, such as in late spring and early summer, will be more sensitive to harsh sun and heat than the mature one or those in a more dormant fall growth stage. Lemon fresh from a nursery is also usually not prepared for strong full sunlight and must be introduced to it slowly.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Lemon?

Recently transplanted Lemon will often experience a bit of shock and will need to be cared for carefully, either shaded from bright afternoon sun or placed in a protected area. On very hot days, you may see the leaves of Lemon drooping—this is usually nothing to worry about. Plants will send the water in their leaves down into their roots to protect them from burning. However, if the leaves are still drooping in the evening or the next morning, the plant needs water. Always avoid watering during the hottest times of day, as sunlight can hit wet leaves and scorch them easily.

Lemon that has been underwatered will be weaker than that with consistently moist soil. This can leave it with weak roots that are unable to protect the leaves on hot, sunny summer days by diverting water away from the leaves. Care for an underwatered plant by giving it a long, deep watering and then allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out before the next watering. Even if it loses its leaves, if cared for properly it will grow new ones.

Pruning

Lemon tree's growth is exuberant. The purpose of pruning in its young stage is mainly to influence tree shape. Overly dense and spindling branches can be trimmed off, as well as 1/5-1/4 of the tips of the branches that are growing too lushly. When the plant matures, pinch the terminal buds in the spring. Cut off overly dense branches in the summer, and pinch the terminal buds again; this can stop the tree from continuing to grow taller and developing new branches. It's important to concentrate nutrients for fruiting. In winter, avoid wasting nutrition by cutting off any sick or pest-infested branches, as well as any which are dry, overly long, or only bearing small fruits.

When lemon tree blooms, avoid keeping too many flowers on weakly-grown trees or branches. It's best to remove some of the overly dense flowers and concentrate on nutrients to just a few, as this facilitates plump and tasty fruiting. You can also trim off very dense branches that bear fruits in the winter, as well as those with too many flowers in the early spring. This will control the number of flowers and fruits the tree produces.

Is pruning necessary for my Lemon?

To produce optimum fruit harvests, you'll need to cut off the poorly developed small fruits if the fruits are too many and close. This will help the good fruits to get more nutrients and thus benefits the whole pruduction. In order to control and eliminate the infections, infected or dead tree branches need to be removed. Diseased parts of the tree must be pruned away so that they do not harm the rest of the tree. In addition to keeping diseased branches trimmed away, give the tree a good pruning each year in addition to maintenance. It is normal to worry about pruning too much of the tree’s foliage. The rule of thumb is to prune around 20% of the tree’s branch canopy. Try not to remove any more than that. While pruning is important, do not get carried away with the pruning tools and cut back too much of your Lemon's growing branches. Since the best fruit bearers are often around the perimeter of the plant, it will require concentration and care not to cut away too much.

When is the best time to prune my Lemon?

The ideal time for pruning Lemon is the early spring. Be sure to prune before the blooming season begins. Cutting away branches during the growing season may drastically inhibit its fruit-bearing rate. Use garden shears to cut off broken, dead, weak, diseased and overgrown branches from Lemon. Observe the branch to see if it is dry and brittle. You can also tell if there is a dead branch by its color. If the branch is dark green, it is weak and will die soon; if the branch is brown, then the branch is already a dead branch. If the pruning exposes the trunk to direct sunlight, the tree can tolerate pruning in the autumn months in these cases, pruning before the tree’s dormant state can give it plenty of time to repair itself and produce more blooms. Exposing the trunk and interior blooms to harsh sun rays in the summertime can damage and burn the tree – and even kill it. That is why it is advisable to avoid fall pruning in the lower growing zones that have hot days in the autumn. If your climate stays hot for several months, it is best to stick with early spring pruning. After fruiting, if the fruits grow too densely, they will compete with each other for nutrients. It is necessary to prune off the poorly developed and small fruits to prevent Lemon from not providing sufficient nutrients and resulting in fruit drops or overall failure of the fruit to mature.

How do I prune my Lemon?

Use clean pruning tools when removing diseased branches and foliage from the Lemon. Also, be sure to cut away any leggy or protruding branches. Pruning not only enhances the plant’s appearance; it also helps limit the number of branches competing for the plant's nutrients. This can promote the tree’s overall well-being. After fruiting, if the fruits grow too densely, they will compete with each other for nutrients. It is necessary to prune off the poorly developed and small fruits to prevent Lemon from not providing sufficient nutrients and leading to fruit drops or the overall failure of the fruit to mature. In winter or early spring, remove tiller branches, prune pendulous and parallel branches, cross-branches, and retrograde branches to increase ventilation and light, reduce disease infection, and help Lemon to grow more vigorously. When pruning the parallel branches, you need to keep the strong branches and remove the weak ones. Keep the auxiliary branches that grow outward about 45 degrees. Branches that are too big or too small in angle should be removed, and horizontal branches have higher fruiting rate. If the branch size is more than ¾ inch, you need to use Pruning Saw to prune in the direction of "Branch bark ridge" to "Branch collar". The wound will heal well.

What should I do after pruning my Lemon?

Make sure the soil is acidic, loose, sandy, and well-drained. Lemon needs well-drained soil. Too much moisture and the wrong soil type can make the tree susceptible to disease. Fertilize the Lemon every 1-2 months for best results. Use a fertilizer high in phosphorous during the growing season(10-30-20). When the Lemon is dormant in the winter, use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium (18-10-20). Adding fertilizer promotes the growth of plants and helps them to recover as soon as possible after pruning.

Advanced Care Guide

Temperature

Lemon originates from Southeast Asia and likes warm, moist environments. The ideal temperature for its growth is 20 to 30 ℃, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as -3 ℃ for short durations. It best survives winter in an environment with temperatures above 0 ℃. Overly low temperatures can harm the plant. It grows best in Hardiness Zones 9-11. Lemon tree likes moist environments, so it's best to keep the soil moist for growth. In winter, the plant goes into dormancy and rarely absorbs any water, so keeping the soil half-dry is fine.

What is the optimal temperature for Lemon?

For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.

As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.

Does Lemon require different temperatures for different growing phases?

While Lemon doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.

Does Lemon need different temperatures for different seasons?

Lemon does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.

Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Lemon healthy?

Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months

If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.

Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat

You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.

Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs

Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Lemon?

The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Lemon is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.

If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.

Soil

Lemon tree likes loose, fertile, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. The best soil pH value range is 5.5-7.0. There is no standard formula for making soil that helps lemon grow; just keep the soil loose, air-permeable, and sufficiently nutritious to do the job. If your soil texture is heavy, you can improve it by mixing in organic manure, river sands, and leaf mold.

Propagation

Planting

Lemon tree can propagate by sowing, cuttage, or mound layering.

To sow, you can harvest ripe lemon, extract its seeds, rinse them clean, and sow them directly in the soil. If the winter is cold where you live, you can also conserve the fruits till the spring of next year, and extract the seeds for sowing in the soil. With a 20 ℃ or so temperature, the seeds germinate in about 7-10 days.

To propagate by cutting, you can cut off newly-grown lemon branches by the end of their first spring. Retain 3-4 buds and 1-2 terminal leaflets on those branches. Dip them in rooting powder and insert them into moist soil. In about a month, roots will grow and more new leaves will sprout. These can grow into new plants ready for transplant anywhere by the fall.

To propagate by mound layering, you must choose lemon branches with strong growth in the spring. Peel off a ring of bark about 5 cm wide at the bottoms of these branches, wrap the wounds in loose fertile soil, and seal them with plastic film. After roots grow, cut off the branches, dispose of the film, and plant the new plants and roots in a half-shaded place.

Lemon provides good landscaping for your garden all year round, which is quite essential for the garden. As your Lemon grows, you may want to know how to get more of them for free. Or maybe your Lemon has been damaged by a pest or disease and you’d like to save it and propagate a new plant. This article is about how to propagate your Lemon. Softwood cuttings is an easy way to propagate this plant. The best seasons in which to propagate the Lemon by cuttings are spring and early summer, when the plant is growing the most actively. During this time, there is plenty of light available for the cuttings to devote to new growth, and your Lemon should have new shoots that are suitable for propagation. Your cutting should still be flexible, but should have reached a level of hardness that it will snap when bent. The tools needed to propagate Lemon are the same as those used for other types of propagation by cutting, although you will not need a particularly strong cutting tool as the material is still quite soft.

Sharp scissors or gardening knife
Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
Rooting hormone (optional)
Pot(s) with drainage holes for planting
All-purpose potting soil for planting
Clear plastic bag (optional)

Step 1: Prepare one or more small pots with moistened potting mix. You can generally plant several cuttings in the same pot for propagation, as long as you leave about an inch between cuttings in each pot. Step 2: Locate healthy shoots on the parent plant and plan where to cut. The cutting should have at least a couple of leaves and one or two nodes in order for the plant to generate new growth. The cutting length should ideally be about 10cm. Use the sterilized cutting tool to take a cutting just above a leaf joint on the parent plant. Step 3: Remove leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and then trim the bottom just below a node. Dip the bottom end of the cutting into rooting powder (if using) according to the directions. Step 4: Plant the cuttings into your prepared pot one-by-one, being sure that at least one node is buried. Step 5: Keep your Lemon in a warm, protected location with plenty of indirect sunlight. To give Lemon a better chance of survival, you can cover them loosely with a clear plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse. A rubber band or tape can be used to affix it to the pot. Doing this increases warmth and humidity, which helps the plant to establish roots more quickly. Step 6: Monitor the Lemon, watering as needed so the soil doesn’t get dry, until it is time to transplant. Roots generally begin to form within 4 to 6 weeks, and you may want to thin out unhealthy cuttings or move some of the Lemon to individual pots to give them more space to grow. When the Lemon regrows new leaves, it means that it has successfully grown roots and needs to be transplanted after the new leaves have fully expanded. It is best to transplant Lemon on an overcast day with mild temperatures to avoid stressing them as soon as they are planted.

Lemon tree can be garden-grown or potted. To grow in the garden, try to choose an elevated site with ample sunlight and plant it in early spring or early fall. plant it at a soil depth of 80 to 100 cm. Mix some fine sands and organic fertilizer into the soil when you refill the pit, as they can help drain water and add nutrients to the soil. When planting is complete, stomp the soil firmly and water the plant thoroughly.

To pot, choose a big pot with ample growing space for the lemon plant's roots. The bottom 1/3 of the pot can be layered with gritty rubbles to help drain excess water. Press the soil firmly after planting, water the plant thoroughly, and put the pot somewhere with sufficient sunlight. Because nutrition in the pot will be limited, it's best to replace the soil and fertilize every spring.

Transplanting

To ensure a thriving lemon plant, transplanting is best done during mid-spring to late spring or mid-fall to late fall, providing optimal conditions for root growth. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, and consider using slow-release fertilizer for a seamless transition.

More About How-Tos

Explore 7 of plant how-tos on Water, Lighting, Temperature, Transplant, Pollination, etc.

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Lemon, scientifically known as 'Citrus limon', originates from the warm, subtropical regions of Northeast India. These locales characteristically receive an average of 1000-1500mm of rainfall annually, with specific periods of dry and wet climates. These environmental specifics shape lemon's watering requirements, necessitating regular watering and moisture, mitigated only during its dry season equivalents. Mimicking such conditions, it is essential to ensure lemon is thoroughly watered regularly, but not over-soaked.

Learn More

Lighting

Full sun

The lemon thrives under an abundance of sun exposure, aiding its overall health and growth. During developmental phases, it can manage with a lesser amount of sunlight. Its origin habitat has ample sunlight exposure. However, too much light can lead to leaf scorch, while too little can stunt growth.

Learn More

Temperature

0 43 ℃

Native growth environment related to temperature requirements for lemon is generally between 20 to 38 ℃ (68 to 100 ℉). These temperate woody plants prefer a warm and humid climate, but they can tolerate cooler temperatures of around 10 ℃ (50 ℉) during the winter. In warmer seasons, it's recommended to keep the temperature between 26 to 32 ℃ (79 to 90 ℉) for optimal growth and fruit production.

Learn More

Transplant

6-20 feet

Learn More

Pollination

Normal

Lemon thrives through entomophily, primarily attracting bees and birds with its vibrant flowers and refreshing scent. The transfer of pollen occurs when these pollinators rummage for nectar, initiating the crucial fertilization process. Timing is pivotal as lemon's blossoms appear throughout the year but are most abundant in spring, ensuring efficient cross-pollination and fruit yield.

Learn More

Overwinter

20 ℃

Lemon natively thrive in warm, subtropical climates and struggle to endure frosty winters. Naturally adapted for mild conditions, lemon enter dormancy in colder temperatures. Over-winter care includes housing the plant indoors or in a greenhouse to avoid extreme cold. Gardeners should provide ample sunlight, seek to mimic the plant's natural environment, and protect it against pests and diseases that exploit winter vulnerabilities.

Learn More

Toxic

Toxic to Pets

Lemon (Citrus limon) contains several substances that are mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. Ingestion of a small amount of the fruit, leaves, or bark of the tree is unlikely to cause much harm. Symptoms include nausea, cold limbs, vomiting, and excessive drooling. Ingestion of larger quantities can cause more serious distress, including phototoxicity, tremors, liver failure, and in rare cases death.

Learn More

Seasonal Care Tips

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical plants like your plant require some care in the spring.

Early spring is the ideal time to remove any overgrowth and dead vines or branches.

A monthly application of diluted all-purpose liquid fertilizer will encourage healthy growth and blooming. Make sure to apply the fertilizer before buds start appearing.

Water whenever the top layer of soil is beginning to dry out.

Move any container plants to a sunny location to strengthen growth.

Carefully prune older, new growth for propagation. Coating the cutting in rooting hormone will help establish the new plant.

To encourage flowering or fruiting, the plant requires some care.

Ensure the plant is receiving plenty of sunlight.

Keep an eye out for diseases and pests in the summer.

Watering frequency may also need increasing, depending on the amount of weekly rainfall.

Continue fertilizing once or twice a month to support flowering or fruiting.

Container plants receiving more than six or so hours of sunlight a day may require relocating to a partially shady location.

New plants can be propagated from root or stem shoots. Carefully remove the cutting, coat in a rotting hormone powder, and plant in a container.

While your plant is growing in the fall, continue the monthly fertilization and make sure the plant receives the water and misting it needs to thrive.

Keep the soil moist, watering whenever the soil becomes dry, and fertilize the plant monthly with a diluted, liquid, all-purpose fertilizer.

Make sure your plant continues to take in bright sunlight through this season, which will help promote growth throughout the season.

To propagate the plant, you can take cuttings at this time and repot them.

Continue to watch out for pests and diseases, such as scales and mealybugs.

Continue to care for your plant during winter, even though it won’t need as much attention as during the months of active growth.

Keep this plant indoors in freezing winter climates to best protect it and allow it to regrow during the spring.

During the winter, your plant isn't greedy for water, but does require bright light. You can reduce watering to a minimum during this time.

Keep the plant in bright sunlight even during the winter. Avoid feeding the plant during this restful season. Other than giving it some cold protection and sunlight, you can almost leave the plant to itself.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Lemon based on 10 million real cases

Nutrient deficiencies

A lack of nutrients will cause a widespread yellowing of the leaves. The yellowing may begin at the base or top of the plant.

Solutions: There are several easy ways to remedy the nutrient deficiencies in soils. Use a water-soluble fertilizer. Fertilizers will include most or all of the macro and micro-nutrients the plants need to thrive. Adding some fertilizer to the soil will make those nutrients available and can combat deficiencies. Regularly apply organic fertilizer pellets. Organic fertilizers such as animal manures and bonemeal can supply plants with all the nutrients that they need to grow strong and healthy. Apply compost. Though not as finely tuned as artificial fertilizer, compost can nevertheless be rich in important nutrients and should be applied to the soil regularly. Apply nutrients via foliar application. In addition to supplementing the soil with nutrients, foliar fertilizer can be applied directly to the plant's leaves. Nutrients offered via foliar application are often taken up even quicker than those put in the soil, so the foliar application can be great for swiftly addressing specific deficiencies.

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

Solutions: Even though caterpillars are diverse, they all chew on plant parts and can cause significant damage if present in large numbers. For severe cases: Apply insecticide. For an organic solution, spray plants with a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which specifically affects the larval stage of moths and butterflies. Be sure to coat plants, since caterpillars need to ingest Bt for it to be effective. This will not harm other insects. Spray a chili extract. Chili seeds can be cooked in water to make a spicy spray that caterpillars don't like. Spray this mixture on the plants, but be aware it will also be spicy to humans. Introduce beneficial insects. Release beneficial insects to the garden that eat caterpillars, such as parasitic wasps. For less severe cases: Hand pick. Using gloves, pick off caterpillars on plants and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water. Dust plants with diatomaceous earth. This powder is harmless to humans but irritates caterpillars. Therefore, it will make it difficult for caterpillars to move and eat.

Leaf deformity

Leaf deformities can have a variety of causes.

Solutions: Follow these steps to revive plants with abnormal leaves. Remove damaged leaves: Plants can recover from damage when given the time to do so. Remove any deformed leaves so they don't continue drawing energy from the plant. This also creates room for healthier ones to grow. Stop using herbicide: Though herbicide damage is challenging to diagnose, gardeners can potentially prevent deformed leaves by not using any and by strictly following manufacturers instructions. Spray insecticide: Prevent pests from inhabiting plant leaves by spraying with insecticide regularly and practicing good natural pest prevention techniques. Apply a balanced fertilizer: Solve nutrient deficiencies and excesses by using a well-balanced fertilizer (organic or conventional both work) before planting, and consider topdressing when signs of stress are apparent. Fix watering schedule: If plant leaves are curled downward due to too much or too little water, adjust the watering schedule so the soil is moist, but not damp. Remove infected plants: If the plant has succumbed to a viral infection, not much can be done to revive it. Remove and destroy all compromised plant material to prevent spread to other plants.

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Solutions: For less serious cases: Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread. To treat more serious infestations: Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions. Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Toxicity

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

Although delicious for humans, every part of the lemon (Citrus limon) is severely poisonous to felines, from the leaves to the seeds to the fruits. Limonene, linalool and psoralen are the three compounds responsible for toxicity, and together they may cause vomiting, lethargy, depression, tremors, or even death. Even a brief nibble of this plant warrants veterinary attention.

More About Lemon

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

1 to 2.5 m

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Flower Color

White

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.5 to 2 cm

Plant Height

2 to 6 m

Name story

Lemon

The word “lemon” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon language and from the word “lymon” from the old French language meaning “citrus”. As the appearance of the fruit is almost identical to a citrus, it is still being called lemon up to this day.

Usages

Beauty Improvement Value

Lemons are rich in vitamins, which can effectively promote metabolism and delay aging.

Garden Use

Though lemon trees are typically grown commercially, they have seen a jump in popularity in home gardens. Their compact size (they can even be grown indoors), attractive leaves, and bright, tasty fruit have made them a staple in warmer-climate regions, particularly in Mediterranean-style gardens. Planting a lime tree nearby will help pollinate your lemon tree, and lemon balm will help deter harmful caterpillars. Roses, geraniums, and jasmine work great when planted under lemon trees.

View More Info

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Common Problems

How can I make my lemon tree look better-shaped overall?

Usually, the lemon tree shape includes a low trunk and spreading branches in all directions. To adjust its shape, perform pinching to nip off the terminal buds when the plant reaches 40 cm tall. This helps promote the growth of other branches. Choose 3-4 upward-inclined branches extending from different sides of the trunk and keep them as the main branches. On each of those, choose 3-4 sub-branches to keep. Retain and cultivate 4-5 small branches on these sub-branches to bear fruits. Keep branches reasonably distributed in space and direction to foster effective photosynthesis and good air and light permeability, as this will lead to plump and plentiful fruition.

Why doesn't my lemon plant bear fruit, or why do the fruits fall before they ripen?

These problems may happen for a few reasons:

Incorrect watering: Overwatering can lead to rotten roots, while insufficient watering hinders the plant from growing.
Insufficient nutrition: To fruit, lemon needs plenty of nutrition.
Improper pruning: Overly dense and long branches can consume lots of nutrients, leaving less for the fruits to receive.
Issues with light: lemon likes plenty of light duration and needs sufficient sunlight. However, when the sunlight gets harsh at noon and the temperature rises above 30 ℃, it needs to be shaded or its growth will be affected.

Caring for a New Plant

The following pictures and instructions for fruit plant are aimed to help your plants adapt and thrive in a new environment.

Picking a Healthy Fruit Plant

Check Its Health

Whole Plant

Symmetrical crown, evenly distributed branches, full and compact shape, no excessive growth, close internodes, and uniform leaf size.

Fruits

The fruit is closely attached and does not fall off easily when shaken. No disease spots.

Branches

The branches are not withered, and the trunk is free of boreholes or damage.

Stems

No mold, browning or soft rot at the base of the plant.

Leaves

Check the inside of the plant, shaded and overlapping areas, back of leaves. Even colour, no yellowing, no brown spots, no crawling insects, no cobwebs, no deformities, no wilting.

Health Troubleshooting

Whole Plant

1 Asymmetrical crown or missing, uneven branching: prune the weak and slender branches of the larger portion of the asymmetrical crown, then trim the overgrown larger branches.

2 Internodes are longer in the upper part, leaves are sparse and smaller on top: increase light intensity or duration.

Fruits

1 Fruit drops easily: provide the plant with adequate light, but avoid direct sunlight during the afternoon. Be careful not to over-water or allow the soil to become too dry.

2 Spots or disease on the fruit: avoid getting water on the fruit. When watering, avoid wetting the fruit as much as possible.

Branches

1 Dry branches: check if the branch is still alive by peeling back a small section of bark and trim away any dry branches. Watch out for signs of insect infestation inside the branch.

2 Bark with holes: inject insecticide into the holes and apply systemic insecticide to the roots.

3 Damaged bark: brush on a wound-healing agent, and avoid getting it wet.

Stems

Mildew, browning, or soft rot at the base: place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment and water with fungicide.

Leaves

1 Uneven leaf color and yellowing: prune yellow leaves and check if there are signs of rot at the base of the plant. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

2 Brown spots or small yellow spots: place the plant in a ventilated area and avoid watering the leaves. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

3 Tiny crawling insects on the back of leaves or spider webs between leaves: increase light exposure and spray with insecticide for severe cases.

4 Deformations or missing parts on leaves: determine if it's physical damage or pest infestation. Linear or tearing damage is physical, while the rest are pests. Spray with insecticide.

5 Wilting leaves: provide partial shade and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves for severe cases.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Check Its Growing Conditions

Soil Check

Soil should smell fresh like after a rain and no musty odor.

Light Check

Check the light requirement of the plant and if it match with planting location.

Ventilation Check

Ensure good ventilation.

Temperature Check

Ensure outdoor temperature is suitable for plants.

Condition Troubleshooting

Soil

Potting mix soil, Peat moss mix soil

Soil smells musty or foul: check the root system for decay, place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment, and water with fungicide.

Ideal Temperature

10℃ to 35℃

Temperature is too low: Temporarily move the plants indoors and then to outdoors when temperature is suitable.

Ventilation

Well Ventilated

Non-ventilated environment: can lead to root rot, diseases, and flower/fruit drop. Place the plants in an airy location avoiding dead spots.

Suitable Light

Full sun, Partial sun

Insufficient light: reduce light appropriately during flowering period but not a fully shaded environment. After flowering, move to normal cultivation environment. For plants with long flowering and fruiting periods, provide normal light to avoid shortening.

Transplant recovery: After transplanting, pot plants should be temporarily shaded, then moved to normal light after a week if no abnormal drop or wilting. In-ground plants, shade for a week and then transfer to normal light or just pay attention to watering.

Adapting Your New Fruit Plant

Step 1

Repotting

Potted plants - Wait until flowering and fruiting stage is over before changing pots. In-ground plants - Plant directly taking care not to harm root system or remove soil.

Step 2

Pruning

Prune residual flowers, yellow/dead leaves. No other pruning at this time.

Step 3

Watering

Water appropriately. Water more frequently for newly transplanted or purchased plants to keep the soil consistently moist for at least 2 weeks. Avoid overwatering, do not water when there is water on your finger after touching the soil. Both underwatering and overwatering can cause plants to drop their flowers or fruit.

Step 4

Fertilizing

Don't fertilize just after purchase. Fertilize after 2 weeks using half concentration.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Lemon

Repotting

Repotting potted plants: Wait until flowering/fruiting ends. Repotting in-ground plants: Be careful not to harm roots/soil.

Pruning

Prune residual flowers, and yellow/dead leaves. No other pruning at this time.

Watering

Water new plants more often for 2 weeks. Avoid over/under watering by checking the soil.

Fertilizing

Don't fertilize just after purchase. Fertilize after 2 weeks using half concentration.

Sunlight

Long flowering/fruiting plants need normal light. Shade transplants for a week, then move to normal light.

Save and print our adaptation tips card for quick and easy reference.

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Lemon

Repotting

Repotting potted plants: Wait until flowering/fruiting ends. Repotting in-ground plants: Be careful not to harm roots/soil.

Pruning

Prune residual flowers, and yellow/dead leaves. No other pruning at this time.

Watering

Water new plants more often for 2 weeks. Avoid over/under watering by checking the soil.

Fertilizing

Don't fertilize just after purchase. Fertilize after 2 weeks using half concentration.

Sunlight

Long flowering/fruiting plants need normal light. Shade transplants for a week, then move to normal light.

Plants with Same Care Needs

Black cherry

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a medium-sized, deciduous forest tree native to the Americas, but also naturalized in parts of Europe. It features inflorescence with small white blooms that become clusters of dark cherries, edible when pitted. Mature trees have gray-to-black, distinctly crackled bark. The glossy leaves are poisonous to livestock. It is a highly reproductive pioneer species with invasive potential.

Bloom Time

Spring

Common dandelion

*Taraxacum officinale*, widely known as common dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial that can be found in temperate regions all over the world, in habitats with moist soils. The most popular feature of this plant is its fruits, furry spheres that are easily carried by the wind. Although it is generally considered a weed, common dandelion is actually edible and very nutritious.

Bloom Time

Spring

Common hackberry

Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a medium-sized deciduous tree, native to North America. It looks similar to elms and some other hackberry trees at first glance, but you can distinguish it by looking at the bark - if it is verrucous and has corky texture, then it is probably common hackberry.

Bloom Time

Spring

Common buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica, colloquially known as common buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe. This plant is hazardous to humans and most animals; all parts of it are mildly poisonous. The fast-growing common buckthorn is considered an invasive species in certain parts of North America.

Bloom Time

Spring

Arborvitae

Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is a small- to medium-sized evergreen conifer native to North America, and can be found in a variety of environments, including forested wetlands and along cliffs. Essential oils are produced using northern white cedar, and it also finds use as an ornamental plant. Due to its increasing popularity in landscaping, more compact plants have been used to develop smaller strains.

Bloom Time

Spring

Sugarberry

Celtis laevigata, commonly known as sugarberry, is a deciduous medium-sized tree native to North America. It is often found near water - on floodplains, along rivers and streams. There are many species of birds, small mammals, and insects that use sugarberry's fruits and leaves as a source of food, which makes it a very important part of the ecosystem.

Bloom Time

Spring

View More Plants

Botanist in your pocket

App

How to Care for Lemon

Symbolism

Purification, abundance, happiness, love

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

Toxic to Pets

Basic Care Guide

Water

Never miss a care task again!

Plant care made easier than ever with our tailor-made smart care reminder.

What is the best way to water my Lemon?

What should I do if I water my Lemon too much or too little?

How often should I water my Lemon?

How much water does my Lemon need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Lemon enough?

How can I water my Lemon at different growth stages?

How can I water my Lemon through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering my Lemon indoors vs outdoors?

Fertilizer

Why do I need to fertilize my Lemon?

When is the best time to fertilize my Lemon?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Lemon?

What type of fertilizer does my Lemon need?

How do I fertilize my Lemon?

What happens if I fertilize my Lemon too much?

Sunlight

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

How much/long should Lemon get sunlight per day for healthy growth?

What type of sunlight does Lemon need?

Can sunlight damage Lemon? How to protect Lemon from the sun and heat damage?

Does Lemon need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Lemon from the sun?

What will happen if Lemon gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Lemon need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Lemon?

Pruning

Is pruning necessary for my Lemon?

When is the best time to prune my Lemon?

How do I prune my Lemon?

What should I do after pruning my Lemon?

Advanced Care Guide

Temperature

What is the optimal temperature for Lemon?

Does Lemon require different temperatures for different growing phases?

Does Lemon need different temperatures for different seasons?

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Lemon healthy?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Lemon?

Soil

Propagation

Planting

Lemon tree can propagate by sowing, cuttage, or mound layering.

Sharp scissors or gardening knife
Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
Rooting hormone (optional)
Pot(s) with drainage holes for planting
All-purpose potting soil for planting
Clear plastic bag (optional)

Transplanting

More About How-Tos

Seasonal Care Tips

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical plants like your plant require some care in the spring.

Early spring is the ideal time to remove any overgrowth and dead vines or branches.

A monthly application of diluted all-purpose liquid fertilizer will encourage healthy growth and blooming. Make sure to apply the fertilizer before buds start appearing.

Water whenever the top layer of soil is beginning to dry out.

Move any container plants to a sunny location to strengthen growth.

Carefully prune older, new growth for propagation. Coating the cutting in rooting hormone will help establish the new plant.

To encourage flowering or fruiting, the plant requires some care.

Ensure the plant is receiving plenty of sunlight.

Keep an eye out for diseases and pests in the summer.

Watering frequency may also need increasing, depending on the amount of weekly rainfall.

Continue fertilizing once or twice a month to support flowering or fruiting.

Container plants receiving more than six or so hours of sunlight a day may require relocating to a partially shady location.

New plants can be propagated from root or stem shoots. Carefully remove the cutting, coat in a rotting hormone powder, and plant in a container.

While your plant is growing in the fall, continue the monthly fertilization and make sure the plant receives the water and misting it needs to thrive.

Keep the soil moist, watering whenever the soil becomes dry, and fertilize the plant monthly with a diluted, liquid, all-purpose fertilizer.

Make sure your plant continues to take in bright sunlight through this season, which will help promote growth throughout the season.

To propagate the plant, you can take cuttings at this time and repot them.

Continue to watch out for pests and diseases, such as scales and mealybugs.

Continue to care for your plant during winter, even though it won’t need as much attention as during the months of active growth.

Keep this plant indoors in freezing winter climates to best protect it and allow it to regrow during the spring.

During the winter, your plant isn't greedy for water, but does require bright light. You can reduce watering to a minimum during this time.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Lemon based on 10 million real cases

Nutrient deficiencies

A lack of nutrients will cause a widespread yellowing of the leaves. The yellowing may begin at the base or top of the plant.

Learn More

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Learn More

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

Learn More

Leaf deformity

Leaf deformities can have a variety of causes.

Learn More

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Learn More

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Toxicity

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

* The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

More Info About Toxicity

More About Lemon

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

1 to 2.5 m

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Flower Color

White

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.5 to 2 cm

Plant Height

2 to 6 m

Name story

Lemon

Usages

Beauty Improvement Value

Lemons are rich in vitamins, which can effectively promote metabolism and delay aging.

Garden Use

View More Info

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Common Problems

How can I make my lemon tree look better-shaped overall?

Why doesn't my lemon plant bear fruit, or why do the fruits fall before they ripen?

These problems may happen for a few reasons:

Incorrect watering: Overwatering can lead to rotten roots, while insufficient watering hinders the plant from growing.
Insufficient nutrition: To fruit, lemon needs plenty of nutrition.
Improper pruning: Overly dense and long branches can consume lots of nutrients, leaving less for the fruits to receive.
Issues with light: lemon likes plenty of light duration and needs sufficient sunlight. However, when the sunlight gets harsh at noon and the temperature rises above 30 ℃, it needs to be shaded or its growth will be affected.

Caring for a New Plant

The following pictures and instructions for fruit plant are aimed to help your plants adapt and thrive in a new environment.

Picking a Healthy Fruit Plant

Check Its Health

Whole Plant

Symmetrical crown, evenly distributed branches, full and compact shape, no excessive growth, close internodes, and uniform leaf size.

Fruits

The fruit is closely attached and does not fall off easily when shaken. No disease spots.

Branches

The branches are not withered, and the trunk is free of boreholes or damage.

Stems

No mold, browning or soft rot at the base of the plant.

Leaves

Check the inside of the plant, shaded and overlapping areas, back of leaves. Even colour, no yellowing, no brown spots, no crawling insects, no cobwebs, no deformities, no wilting.

Health Troubleshooting

Whole Plant

Fruits

Branches

Stems

Leaves

1 Asymmetrical crown or missing, uneven branching: prune the weak and slender branches of the larger portion of the asymmetrical crown, then trim the overgrown larger branches.

2 Internodes are longer in the upper part, leaves are sparse and smaller on top: increase light intensity or duration.

1 Fruit drops easily: provide the plant with adequate light, but avoid direct sunlight during the afternoon. Be careful not to over-water or allow the soil to become too dry.

2 Spots or disease on the fruit: avoid getting water on the fruit. When watering, avoid wetting the fruit as much as possible.

1 Dry branches: check if the branch is still alive by peeling back a small section of bark and trim away any dry branches. Watch out for signs of insect infestation inside the branch.

2 Bark with holes: inject insecticide into the holes and apply systemic insecticide to the roots.

3 Damaged bark: brush on a wound-healing agent, and avoid getting it wet.

Mildew, browning, or soft rot at the base: place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment and water with fungicide.

1 Uneven leaf color and yellowing: prune yellow leaves and check if there are signs of rot at the base of the plant. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

2 Brown spots or small yellow spots: place the plant in a ventilated area and avoid watering the leaves. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

3 Tiny crawling insects on the back of leaves or spider webs between leaves: increase light exposure and spray with insecticide for severe cases.

4 Deformations or missing parts on leaves: determine if it's physical damage or pest infestation. Linear or tearing damage is physical, while the rest are pests. Spray with insecticide.

5 Wilting leaves: provide partial shade and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves for severe cases.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Check Its Growing Conditions

Soil Check

Soil should smell fresh like after a rain and no musty odor.

Light Check

Check the light requirement of the plant and if it match with planting location.

Ventilation Check

Ensure good ventilation.

Temperature Check

Ensure outdoor temperature is suitable for plants.

Condition Troubleshooting

Soil

Ideal Temperature

Ventilation

Suitable Light

Potting mix soil, Peat moss mix soil

Soil

Soil smells musty or foul: check the root system for decay, place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment, and water with fungicide.

10℃ to 35℃

Ideal Temperature

Temperature is too low: Temporarily move the plants indoors and then to outdoors when temperature is suitable.

Well Ventilated

Ventilation

Non-ventilated environment: can lead to root rot, diseases, and flower/fruit drop. Place the plants in an airy location avoiding dead spots.

Full sun, Partial sun

Suitable Light

Adapting Your New Fruit Plant

Step 1

Repotting

Potted plants - Wait until flowering and fruiting stage is over before changing pots. In-ground plants - Plant directly taking care not to harm root system or remove soil.

Step 2

Pruning

Prune residual flowers, yellow/dead leaves. No other pruning at this time.

Step 3

Watering

Step 4

Fertilizing

Don't fertilize just after purchase. Fertilize after 2 weeks using half concentration.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Plants with Same Care Needs

Indoor

Requirements

Full sun

Ideal

Above 6 hours sunlight

Partial sun

Tolerance

About 3-6 hours sunlight

Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.

Essentials

Preferred

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

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Notes

The more sunlight, the sweeter the fruit becomes.

Artificial lighting

Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

Important Symptoms

Insufficient light

Lemon thrives in full sunlight but is sensitive to heat. As a plant commonly grown outdoors with abundant sunlight, it may exhibit subtle symptoms of light deficiency when placed in rooms with suboptimal lighting.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Faster leaf drop

When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.

Impact on flowering and fruiting

Your plant may not show obvious abnormalities due to insufficient sunlight, but it can have adverse effects on future flowering and fruiting.

Slower or no new growth

Lemon enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.

Solutions

1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.

Excessive light

Lemon thrives in full sun exposure but is sensitive to heat. Although sunburn symptoms occasionally occur, they are unable to withstand intense sunlight in high-temperature environments.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Chlorosis

Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Sunscald

Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.

Leaf Curling

Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.

Wilting

Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.

Leaf Scorching

Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.

Solutions

1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.

Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?

Indoor

Requirements

Ideal

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.

Essentials

Regional wintering strategies

Lemon is extremely heat-loving, and any cold temperatures can cause harm to it. In the autumn, it is recommended to bring outdoor-grown Lemon indoors and place it near a bright window, but it should be kept at a certain distance from heaters. Maintaining temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} during winter is beneficial for plant growth. Any temperatures approaching {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min} are detrimental to the plant.

Important Symptoms

Low Temperature

Lemon prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of low temperatures. It thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves may lighten in color. After frost damage, the color gradually turns brown or black, and symptoms such as wilting and drooping may occur.

Solutions

Trim off the frost-damaged parts. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment for cold protection. Choose a spot near a south-facing window to place the plant, ensuring ample sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent excessive dryness in the air.

High Temperature

During summer, Lemon should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the color of the leaves becomes lighter, and the plant becomes more susceptible to sunburn.

Solutions

Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.

Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?

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How to Care for Lemon

Symbolism

Basic Care Guide

Water

Never miss a care task again!

Fertilizer

Fertilizer

Sunlight

Know the light your plants really get.

Pruning

Advanced Care Guide

Temperature

Soil

Propagation

Planting

Propagation

Transplanting

More About How-Tos

Seasonal Care Tips

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical plants like your plant require some care in the spring.

To encourage flowering or fruiting, the plant requires some care.

While your plant is growing in the fall, continue the monthly fertilization and make sure the plant receives the water and misting it needs to thrive.

Continue to care for your plant during winter, even though it won’t need as much attention as during the months of active growth.

Common Pests & Diseases

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

Toxicity

Aloe

Philodendron

Peace Lily

Snake Plant

Daffodil

Hydrangea

Rhododendrons

Rhubarb

Bittersweet Nightshade

Buttercups

Foxgloves

How to Tend to Poisonous Plants

How to Get Rid of Poisonous Plants

Aloe

Philodendron

Peace Lily

Snake Plant

Daffodil

Hydrangea

Rhododendrons

Rhubarb

Bittersweet Nightshade

Buttercups

Foxgloves

How to Tend to Poisonous Plants

How to Get Rid of Poisonous Plants

More About Lemon

Name story

Usages

Find your perfect green friends.

Common Problems

How can I make my lemon tree look better-shaped overall?

Why doesn't my lemon plant bear fruit, or why do the fruits fall before they ripen?

Caring for a New Plant

Check Its Health

Health Troubleshooting

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

Check Its Growing Conditions

Condition Troubleshooting

Know the light your plants really get.

Plants with Same Care Needs

Botanist in your pocket

App

How to Care for Lemon

Symbolism

Basic Care Guide

Water

Never miss a care task again!

Fertilizer

Fertilizer