When you look forward to harvesting your homegrown lemons, finding that your tree has more yellow leaves than fruit can be quite disheartening. So what could be happening here? And how can you restore your lemon tree to good health with lush foliage and abundant fruits?
Decoding what a citrus plant Trying to resolve this issue can be challenging, but by tackling these frequent culprits, you ought to manage getting your lemon tree back on course. Although older foliage might not regain its green hue once these treatments have been applied, the yellow leaves should drop off, making way for fresh green growth to appear in their stead.
Below are the primary causes of yellowing leaves on lemon trees along with crucial steps to restore their vibrant green appearance for a bountiful yield.
Frequent causes of yellowing leaves on your lemon tree include overpostingulation, inadequate watering, nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, and environmental stressors.
1. Not enough fertiliser
Lemons need plenty of nourishment. Consequently, once these trees deplete their nutrient supply, the older foliage might turn yellow. To maintain the health of your lemon tree, you should apply comprehensive citrus fertilizer two times annually, specifically around mid-summer and late winter.
Begin with thorough watering both prior to and following the addition of fertilizer. Evenly distribute the fertilizer across the ground surrounding the tree. Adhere to the recommended application rates provided on the package. To ensure your citrus trees receive every necessary nutrient, opt for a comprehensive citrus-specific feed.
2. Iron deficiency
If your lemon tree’s leaves turn yellow, this might be due to insufficient iron. To address this promptly, you can irrigate the plant using iron chelates, which are forms of readily absorbable iron commonly found at local garden centers and hardware shops.
3. Lack of magnesium
Pale green or yellow spots on the foliage of your lemon tree might indicate a lack of magnesium. To address this issue, you can mix an appropriate magnesium source with water to nourish your plant. For instance, dissolve Epsom salt in a watering can or bucket as directed for the specific magnesium supplement you're using.
4. Not enough water
Lemon trees require consistent and thorough watering that penetrates the entire root system. If these plants become too dry, they won't receive adequate nutrients. Insufficient water can pose significant issues. for containerised trees .
Once you've watered, ensure that the water has penetrated the soil rather than just flowing off and leaving the roots parched. Should the earth beneath the top layer remain dry, use a soil wetting agent to help the substrate or potting mixture retain moisture more effectively before giving it another drink.
Citrus plants can adapt to various soil conditions, yet they flourish best in light soils that drain well. They prefer an optimal pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. However, such suitable soil is not commonly found in nature across Australia; hence, purchasing a bag of loamy or sandy loam soil will significantly aid the growth of your citrus trees.
What type of soil works best for growing citrus trees?
5. Frequently encountered bugs for lemon trees
Lemon trees may suffer from citrus bugs, scale insects, and aphids, which can harm both the fruit and foliage. The presence of ants crawling up the branches often indicates an infestation. These ants are usually attracted to honeydew excreted by aphids, commonly found on young shoots; you can eliminate these pests by crushing them or washing them away with water. Meanwhile, scales tend to congregate on the stems or under the leaf surfaces.
Applying horticultural oil during winter helps decrease pest populations. With fewer pests around, ants should also diminish. Follow the application directions provided on the product label for best results. Mature citrus insects appear green; gently remove them and drop them into a basin filled with soapy water. Be sure to wear sunglasses while performing this task since these pests release a caustic substance capable of irritating your eyes.
6. Too cold
Lemon trees thrive best in a warm subtropical environment; however, you can cultivate them even in cooler regions provided they are protected from chilly winds and harsh winters. If exposed to cold temperatures, the lemon tree struggles to draw sufficient nutrients through its roots, leading to yellowing of the foliage as a result.
Protect lemons from chilly breezes using plastic coverings. screen or a hedge Continue watering the plant during winter, but hold off on applying fertilizer until spring arrives and temperatures rise, accompanied by indications of fresh growth from the tree.
7. Rootbound lemon trees
Lemons that are grown in pots It may exceed the available space within one to two years, causing the plant to struggle in obtaining sufficient water and nutrients for healthy growth.
To provide more space, repot the lemon Transfer it into a somewhat bigger container filled with new potting soil. Choose a high-quality potting mixture and incorporate roughly 10 percent by volume of compost. To ensure lasting prosperity, cultivate a compact lemon tree in an ample pot.
Based on the type, lemon trees can reach heights of about four or five meters when grown directly in the soil, occasionally exceeding even that. In contrast, dwarf versions, such as the widely favored Dwarf Meyer Lemon, generally do not exceed two meters in height.
What is the height that lemon trees can reach?
8. Weeds
Lemons aren't fond of sharing space. Ensure your tree stays healthy, lush, and fruitful by removing all competing weeds and grass beneath and around it. Instead, cover the area with a 2-5 cm layer of coarsely textured organic mulch combined with well-aged material. manure Maintain a gap between the mulch and the tree trunk.
The top items for a healthy and flourishing lemon tree
Should you wish to maintain your lemon tree’s vibrant green foliage and overall health, we've compiled a list below featuring some top-notch products designed to assist with this task.
01
Genuine Epsom Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, 5kg
$24.15, Amazon
Ideal for: tackling low levels of magnesium
Should a deficiency in magnesium be responsible for your lemon tree’s yellowing foliage, you can easily address this typical problem by mixing one teaspoon of Epsom salt with two litres of water and then applying this solution uniformly around the base of the tree.
02
Yates Insect Control Spray
$14.30, Woolworths
Ideal for: managing pests without inducing leaf scorch
Insects such as mealybugs and aphids infesting your lemon tree often lead to yellowing foliage; however, routine applications of horticultural spray oil can resolve this issue. The product offered by Yates contains a UV stabilizer which aids in preventing leaf scorch when temperatures rise.
03
Yates Iron Chelate for Lusher Green foliage Conditioner
$31.99, Amazon
Ideal for treating iron deficiency
Deficient iron levels might lead to yellowing foliage as well; hence, using an iron chelate product such as the one offered by Yates could effectively supply the necessary iron straight to the lacking leaves.
04
Avutto White Planter Large
from $159.20 (RRP $199), Freedom
Ideal for: elegantly accommodating your citrus plant
Discolored leaves may indicate that your container-grown lemon plant has become root-bound. Fortunately, addressing this issue is straightforward: transplant the shrub into a bigger pot, such as this sleek, weather-proof option available at Freedom. Typically, these citrus plants require repotting once every couple of years to maintain their health and promote growth.
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