Oranges and lemons can be successfully grown in the UK, and with a little effort other citrus trees, such as limes, can be grown, too.
Lemon trees, Citrus x limon, and bitter or Seville oranges, Citrus x aurantium are the easiest citrus trees to grow. Both are vigorous plants and tend to tolerate the lowest temperatures. Limes need warmer, more tropical temperatures but its still possible to grow them in our cooler climate.
Most orange and lemon trees will require winter protection, though new hybrids are emerging that are pushing the boundaries of citrus hardiness.
Lemon trees are a delight to grow providing an abundance of juicy, tangy fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes. However to keep your lemon tree healthy and productive, it’s important to repot it at the right time. Repotting provides fresh soil and room for the roots to expand, revitalizing growth. This article will cover everything you need to know about when and how to repot lemon trees.
Why Repotting is Necessary
Repotting is an essential part of lemon tree care. As the tree grows over years, the roots become crowded and tangled in the container. This restricts growth, resulting in symptoms like:
- Smaller leaves and fruits
- Lackluster growth
- Wilting or drooping
- Early leaf drop
By repotting into a larger container with fresh potting mix, you encourage renewed root growth. The roots have space to spread out and uptake water and nutrients better. This leads to:
- Bigger, healthier leaves and fruits
- More vigorous growth
- Increased drought tolerance
- Extended leaf retention
Repotting every 2-3 years keeps your lemon tree thriving. Allowing a rootbound lemon tree to go too long without repotting leads to decline.
When is the Best Time to Repot a Lemon Tree?
Timing is crucial when repotting lemon trees. The ideal time is early spring, just as new growth emerges after winter dormancy. Early spring repotting allows the roots to establish before summer heat. Other good times are
- Early fall when growth slows
- During the summer if urgently needed
Avoid repotting in winter when the tree is dormant or during fall flowering/fruiting. Repotting at the wrong time can shock the tree, damaging flowers and fruit production.
Signs Your Lemon Tree Needs Repotting
Watch for these signs your lemon tree is ready for a larger pot:
- Roots are visible at the surface or emerging from drainage holes
- Slow, stunted growth compared to previous years
- Leaves are smaller and more yellow than normal
- Branches are drooping or bending under the weight of the plant
- Soil dries out very quickly indicating a rootbound root ball
If you see a combination of these issues, it’s definitely time to repot that lemon tree. Take action in early spring or fall.
How to Repot a Lemon Tree Step-by-Step
Follow this simple process for successful lemon tree repotting
Choose a New Container
Select a pot that is 2-4 inches wider than the current container. Make sure it has drainage holes. For outdoor trees, choose a weatherproof material like terracotta or plastic.
Prepare New Potting Mix
Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for citrus. Mix in compost or worm castings to enrich nutrition. Moisten the soil before repotting.
Water the Lemon Tree
Water thoroughly 1-2 days before repotting. This makes it easier to remove the rootball.
Remove from Current Pot
Slide the tree out, teasing the roots loose if needed. Check for circling or tangled roots and gently loosen them.
Trim Damaged Roots
Using clean shears, prune away any diseased or broken roots. This encourages new root growth.
Set in New Container
Place into the new pot at the same level it was growing before. Fill gaps with more potting mix.
Water Well
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. This removes air pockets. Allow excess water to drain fully.
Provide Aftercare
Keep the tree shaded for a few days, then resume normal care. Hold off fertilizing for a month after repotting.
With this simple repotting process, your lemon tree will flourish with renewed vigor and better fruiting!
Common Repotting Mistakes
Avoid these missteps when repotting lemon trees:
-
Using a too-large container results in wet soil and root rot. Size up gradually.
-
Failing to loosen tangled roots blocks growth. Gently separate circling roots.
-
Repotting in winter or during flowering stresses the plant. Stick to early spring or fall.
-
Neglecting aftercare like shade and reduced watering leads to transplant shock.
-
Not pruning damaged roots leaves disease that can spread. Always trim them.
-
Packing soil too densely or leaving air pockets harms new root formation. Settle soil gently.
With attentive care while repotting and proper aftercare, you can avoid setbacks and have a thriving lemon tree.
Caring For a Lemon Tree After Repotting
Proper aftercare ensures your repotted lemon tree recovers quickly:
- Shelter from sun and wind for 1-2 weeks as it adjusts
- Check soil moisture frequently, watering when just partly dry
- Hold off fertilizing for a month to avoid root damage
- Monitor for transplant shock like leaf drop or yellowing
- Delay major pruning for a few months to allow recovery
- Resume normal care once established, usually within 2-3 months
Be patient with your newly repotted lemon tree. With attentive aftercare, it will establish and begin growing vigorously again.
Troubleshooting Repotting Problems
If your lemon tree experiences issues after repotting like leaf drop or failure to thrive, review these troubleshooting tips:
Leaf drop or yellowing – This indicates transplant shock. Provide more shade and don’t overwater as it recovers.
Lack of new growth – The tree may be potbound. Loosen circling roots and prune any damaged ones.
Wilting leaves – Check for dry soil and water immediately. Too-wet soil causes similar symptoms, so adjust watering frequency.
Leaf curl – This signals overwatering. Allow the soil dry out further between waterings.
Dieback of branches – Root damage likely occurred. Prune damaged roots, provide shade, and reduce watering temporarily.
With attentive troubleshooting and care, your lemon tree will adjust to its new pot in time for spring growth.
The Importance of Ongoing Care
While periodic repotting is vital, providing consistent care year-round keeps lemon trees thriving:
-
Water when the top few inches of soil become dry. Increase frequency in summer.
-
Fertilize every 1-2 months during spring through fall with citrus fertilizer.
-
Prune in late winter to shape and remove dead branches. Make conservative cuts.
-
Monitor for pests like aphids or diseases like fungal leaf spot and treat promptly.
-
In winter, protect from frost and reduce watering frequency.
-
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring when rootbound symptoms appear.
With diligent care and attentive repotting, your container lemon tree will stay healthy and productive for years to come!
How to grow orange and lemon trees
Grow orange and lemon trees in terracotta pots in a sheltered, sunny spot such as in front of a south- or west-facing wall. They do best in high humidity. In summer, water around once a week, using rainwater if possible. Feed them weekly with liquid seaweed and a citrus fertiliser. Prune in spring, thinning out the centre of the plant so light and air can get in, and remove branches that look dried, thin, tired or lacking in vigour. Move indoors in winter, where it remains cool but frost-free.
Watch Monty Don demonstrate how to look after a lemon tree growing in a pot:
Find out how to grow lemon trees and other citrus plants, below.
Caring for orange and lemon trees in summer
Once your orange or lemon tree starts growing again in spring, its important to move it outside to as sunny a spot as possible. The important thing is to protect them from sudden temperature changes. Look out for late frost forecasts and keep some horticultural fleece handy – youll need it to cover and protect the new growth if frosts are predicted.
Prune in spring once its outside and producing new shoots. Thin out the centre of the plant so light and air can get in, and remove branches that look dried, thin, tired or lacking in vigour. Cut out any suckers that appear at the base of the plant. Trim again in September to keep plants to the desired size. Dont worry about pruning too much, most citrus (especially lemon trees) are vigorous and will benefit from pruning by producing more flowers and fruit on their remaining, strongest branches.
On young plants, its best to remove fruits, as they take a lot of energy to produce. Aim to encourage the tree to bear fewer but larger fruits, until its more mature. Pick any ripe fruits when you move the plants indoors in autumn, and again when you move them outside again, as ripe fruit can inhibit flower production.
How to Repot a Meyer Lemon Tree |Plus Organic Care Tips|
FAQ
What is the best time to repot a lemon tree?
The best time to root prune or repot your indoor lemon tree is early spring through to mid-summer. At that time of year the tree’s roots are actively growing and they will quickly expand into the fresh soil to take advantage of the moisture and nutrients there.
Do lemon trees need big pots?
Selecting the Right Pot for Your Lemon Tree
Opt for a pot that is at least 12-15 inches deep with ample drainage holes. Avoid pots that are excessively large, as this could lead to over-watering issues. Materials like terra-cotta are excellent as they provide breathability for the roots.
Do lemon trees like being root bound?
Citrus trees like to become root bound and will actually produce more once they have done so. There is a high end citrus greenhouse near me called Logee’s which has most of their citrus in pots. Just keep it watered and give it a little fertilizer every once in a while and it will live for decades.
What is the lifespan of a potted lemon tree?
Meyer Lemons are like the little engine that could. As a whole, they stay fairly small, even when planted outdoors. Most Meyer Lemons live to be about 50 years old, and they begin to fruit as early as 2 years into their lifecycle.
How do you repot a lemon tree?
The best time to repot is in the spring, just ahead of peak growing season. To repot, gently remove the lemon tree from its container and brush away any excess soil. Then, place it in a new container that’s one to two inches wider and fill in any gaps with new potting mix. Water thoroughly and leave to settle.
How do you know if a lemon tree needs repotting?
Observe the growth patterns of your lemon tree. If you notice signs of stress or overcrowding in its current pot, such as stunted growth or roots protruding from drainage holes, it may be an indication that repotting is necessary sooner rather than later.
When should you repot a lemon tree?
The choice is yours. Remember that the ultimate size of the lemon is directly related to the size of the container, so if you want a larger tree, it’s time to get a bigger pot. When you have ascertained that you are going to repot rather than prune the roots of the plant, plan to repot in the spring when the tree is gearing up for new growth.