The most important care tips from A to Z

Does a lemon tree need a lot of water?

As subtropical plants, lemons must be be regularly supplied with water. Regular watering, daily on sunny days, ensures good growth. However, the plants do not tolerate standing with their roots in water for a long time. Cover pots and deep saucers should therefore be checked regularly for residual water. The right time for watering has come when the substrate has already dried on the surface.

In central and northern European climates, planting the lemon tree in the garden is not advisable. The lemon can withstand short-term low temperatures of around minus 4 ° C, but not in the long term. In addition, the roots are extremely sensitive to frost (unless they are a refinement is involved), and the lighting conditions in winter are far from sufficient. In short: it's too cold, too windy, too wet and far too uncomfortable outside for the lemon. In summer, however, she likes to stand in a bucket in the blazing sun.

No. However, lemons refined on bitter lemons or bitter oranges are much less sensitive to adverse weather conditions.

Is a lemon tree suitable as a pure houseplant?

Although one can Lemon tree in the room all year round held, but this posture is not optimal. Lemons need a lot of light - not only in summer, but also in winter, which is why indoor lemons have an extra Plant lamp(€ 65.50 at Amazon *) should be irradiated. However, it is best to keep lemons cool over the winter.

When and how is best to repot a lemon tree?

Young plants are grown once a year, older trees for example repotted every two to three years. The new planter is at best around a third larger than the root ball. The best time to repot is at the beginning of the growing season.

Lemons are best with one Citrus fertilizer respectively. with a liquid Complete fertilizer (which contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a ratio of 3: 1: 2).

When and how should it be fertilized?

In the growing season between March and September, the lemon tree should be fertilized about every two to three weeks. Mix the fertilizer with the irrigation water and then water the tree as usual.

Does a lemon tree need pruning?

In nature, a lemon tree can grow up to six meters high, and the plant also grows very quickly. Therefore a regular topiary to be advised before moving into winter quarters.

How is a lemon tree overwintered?

Lemon trees should be on one winter bright and cool place, such as an unheated or poorly heated room. Wintering in a winter garden is ideal. Above all, you should pay attention to sufficient light, ideally bring an additional one Plant lamp at. In winter there is little watering and no fertilization at all.

If the leaves of the lemon tree turn yellow, become pale or even fall off completely, there is very often a lack of nutrients, light and / or water. But root rot as a result of waterlogging can also be the cause.

How do I know if my lemon tree is infested with pests or fungi?

You can often recognize a pest infestation by discolored or falling leaves and by the fact that the lemon tree sticks. If the leaves and / or shoots are covered in black, the tree is infested with a sooty fungus. This can simply be washed off. Lemons are very susceptible to one Spider mite infestation and plant lice, especially in connection with improper wintering.

What can I do against an infestation with pests or fungi?

Plant lice can be combated with soapy water or a mineral oil spray. In the case of large-scale infestation, you can put the pot and the substrate in a plastic bag and dip the tree upside down in a bucket with soapy water. The treatment should be carried out several times, with an interval of a few days. Fungi are effectively combated with a fungicide.

Yes, many lemon trees - especially those that you have grown from seeds yourself - have occasional thorns on the leaf axils that can be up to five centimeters long. The downy hairs of young twigs are also normal.

Tips & Tricks

Usually a fruit develops from each flower. So that the tree is not overwhelmed with the supply of the small lemons, you should thin out the fruits. This allows the remaining ones to grow better and reach maturity.