Lemon (Citrus limon) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

Lemon is drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture will ensure the healthiest plant. New plants need a regular watering schedule until they become established. Mature plants prefer to be deeply and thoroughly watered, rather than lightly and frequently. When the top few inches of soil are dry, water the plant. In hot summer, your plant may require more water than usual.

Fertilization

Lemon is a heavy feeder that benefits from nitrogen. During its growth period, feed your plant every 2 weeks with a liquid, organic fertilizer. Occasionally, you can also use a fertilizer designed specifically for citrus plants. Avoid feeding your lemon during the winter. Potted and young plants should be fertilized more often.

Pruning

Shape the plant every 2 months during the growing season.

Soil

Loam, Sand, Clay, Acidic, Neutral

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

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Lemon

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

9 to 11

Planting Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter

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Questions About Lemon

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why do I need to fertilize my Lemon?

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.

When is the best time to fertilize my Lemon?

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.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Lemon?

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.

What type of fertilizer does my Lemon need?

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.

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?

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.

What happens if I fertilize my Lemon too much?

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.

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More About How-Tos

Explore 6 of plant how-tos on Feng shui direction, Water, Lighting, Temperature, Transplant, etc.

Feng shui direction

East

Lemon is believed to bring positive energy to one's surroundings, further enhancing the harmony within space. Placing the plant to face East is especially favorable, as it symbolizes health, growth, and new beginnings. Thus, lemon complements the overall balance of the area, while subtly inviting prosperity and good fortune.

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Lemon originates from environments with rainfall, preferring consistent moisture. Overwatering risks root rot and other issues.Water only when topsoil feels dry, ensuring even distribution.

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.

Temperature

10 to 35 ℃

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.

Transplant

6-20 feet

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.

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.

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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.

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Toxicity

* 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.

Toxic to Dogs

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.

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.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Woodland garden

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Flower Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

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.

Symbolism

Purification, abundance, happiness, love

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.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Family

Rue

Genus

Citrus

Species

Lemon

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Shape the plant every 2 months during the growing season.

Most Common Tree

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Add to My Garden

Lemon

Citrus limon

Also known as: Meyer lemon

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight

Full sun

Toxic to Pets

Care Guide for Lemon

Water

Fertilization

Pruning

Soil

Loam, Sand, Clay, Acidic, Neutral

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

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Questions About Lemon

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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More About How-Tos

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.

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Brown spot

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

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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.

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Leaf deformity

Leaf deformities can have a variety of causes.

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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

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Toxicity

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Woodland garden

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Flower Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Lemon

Symbolism

Purification, abundance, happiness, love

Usages

Beauty Improvement Value

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

Garden Use

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Family

Rue

Genus

Citrus

Species

Lemon

Find your perfect green friends.

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

Download the App

Related Plants

Podocarpus macrophyllus

Virginia creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Octopus tree

Schefflera actinophylla

# Useful Tips