What is wrong with my Meyer lemon tree?

Question

The new growth is shriveled, I don't see any bugs, like aphids . The tree I planted two years ago and have followed directions of fertilizing , watering , etc.

Douglas Hunt · Answer

I suspect you have citrus leafminer, Barbara. While the damage may be oft-putting, it is usually not significant for the tree. See more here: http://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/mannion/pdfs/CitrusLeafminer.pdf

Barbara Sawyer · Answer

Yes, Doug, I think you have it! Thank you for the information. My tree is a young one. Not fond of insecticides, so will prune off infected parts and reduce fertilization .

Pauline Cobb Choate · Answer

Oh my gosh, that could be my Meyer Lemon as well Barbara. I'm in Ruskin, FL and my 2 yr old plant is doing the exact same thing! Thank you for asking the question and thank you Douglas for the answer. Glad to know it's not usually fatal. Mine has set lemons and hoping not to lose them.

Tracy Boyle · Answer

I LOVE Hometalk! So much valuable information! I just got my Meyer Lemon Tree and because of Doug, I'll be able to keep a watch out. I have about 20 lemons growing on there!

Matina V · Answer

Does anyone have info about growing a Meyer lemon indoors? I'm in the Pacific NW and I don't think they do well outside here.

Susie · Answer

could also be thrips - we get them from time to time on our citrus in southern AZ and while it isn't pretty it doesn't cause any problem with fruit production

Ouina · Answer

Matina - I have helped my sister-in-law who lives in the Pacific NW as well with her Meyer's Lemon. She has successfully grown a patio tree for several years now. You need to be sure to leave outside in full sun while temps are good, water adequately but with good drainage, fertilize periodically. Bring inside if you have freezing temps and you will need to protect from extreme cold so if you have a sunny window that would be best. If you do bring indoors for the winter, you will need to watch for spider mites - they love warm, dry, indoors! I have her 'wash' the lemon tree in the shower periodically - especially under the leaves. When you bring the lemon outside when temps moderate you will need to guard against 'sun scald' but putting the tree in full sun for longer and longer periods of time over a couple of weeks. What you are doing is building up the leaves layers of 'skin' so it won't sun scald. As to adequate drainage, try inverting the pot saucer and set the pot on top of the inverted saucer when outside. Inside fill the saucer up with gravel and then place the tree on the saucer of gravel. This way the tree roots are not sitting in water. Periodically, for the indoor months you will want to 'flush' the soil by watering where water runs out of the pot for 5-10 minutes. You will avoid building up salts in the potting soil. Salt buildup will impact the growth and appearance of the tree. Hope this all helps! Good luck!

Barbara Sawyer · Answer

I only had a few lemons on the tree, most of which were near the ground and some critter is eating them.

Gloria · Answer

BARBARA, HANG A FEW CD'S ON THE TREE. THE REFLECTION USUALLY SCARES AWAY BIRDS AND CRITTERS ALIKE. FOR YOUR PESKY CRITTER, I WOULD HANG THEM LOWER THAN HIGHER.

Barbara Sawyer · Answer

Thanks, Gloria I will try that. It may be squirrels, but funny they only ate the ones near the ground.

Pamela Ellis Hall · Answer

I've had my Myer's Lemon tree for about 4 years and it's been beautiful with many lemons. It gets full sun and in the winter and I bring it in and put it in a southern window. This year it bloomed tons of blooms outside on my deck but the blooms have just fallen off. I only have one small lemon growing now. It's in a large pot and isn't rootbound and I try to keep it lightly moist. What am I doing wrong?

Ruby Jacobs · Answer

I have a Meyer lemon tree. Three years ago I got over 500 lemons off the tree. The following Spring a hard freeze came and killed it back to the ground. I thought we had lost it but then last year it came back and I got 3 dozen off it. Meyers are the best lemons ever. I never thought they would do so good in Central Georgia but I planted it on the south side of my house (very close) and it gets the warmth from the house. I don't use pesticides on the tree and have never had a problem with insects.

R. · Answer

Regarding shriveled leaves on Meyer lemon tree: i had this on mine. When I examined underside of leaves, I could see that there was something organic and unwanted going on. I made a simple spray of plain water, small amount of dishwashing liquid, small amount of baking soda and small amount of hot red pepper (I recommend using a hot pepper sauce, like Tabasco, because ground cayenne or other pepper can plug the spray mechanism. So can undesolved baking soda.) Spray on leaves 4 or 5 times a week for a week, reducing to 3-4 days a week for second week. This gets rid of the culprit. OK to treat for longer period or repeat as needed. Won't harm the leaves.

Larry thompson · Answer

meyer lemon tree about 8yr. old .last 3 yrs lemon grow very large but no juice inside. i water very often.

What is wrong with my Meyer lemon tree?

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What is wrong with my Meyer lemon tree?

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