A lemon tree in your garden can be very refreshing. But when it comes time to implement it, things can get tricky! In this article, you'll learn why and when you should repot your lemon tree, as well as tips on how to do it right. In this article, you'll learn why and when to repot your lemon tree, plus tips on how to do it right!
Repotting a lemon tree – when is it necessary?
Repotting lemon tree is important for its healthy growth and timely production. If you keep the roots in the same pot for a long period of time, your lemon tree won't get the space it needs. This can stunt its growth and give it a sickly appearance. So, when do you know it's time to transplant your tree:
- If you have taken care of watering and fertilizing your potted lemon tree but the leaves are falling off or turning brown, you should repot it.
- Another sure sign that you should repot your lemon tree is if you see roots growing out of the drainage holes.
At this point you have two options:
- Repot the lemon tree into a larger container
- Cut lemon tree roots and place in the same container
You can transplant the tree into a larger container or you can remove it, cut off the roots and transplant it into the same container with fresh soil. The choice is yours. Remember that the final size of the lemon tree is directly related to the size of the container. So if you want a larger tree, you should get a larger pot.
Transplant lemon tree into a larger pot
If you are sure that you do not want to prune the plant's roots but rather repot it, you should do this in the spring when the tree is preparing for new growth. If it is in an active growth phase, it will establish itself more quickly in the new container.
Choose a container that is 25% larger than the old one: There is no big secret when transplanting lemon trees. Choose a container that is 25% larger than the one the tree is in now. Fill the new pot ¼ full with potting soil and water until it is moist and the excess drains out of the drainage holes.
Tip for drainage: A drainage layer should be added to the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging. Gravel, stones and pottery shards are suitable for this.
Take the tree out of the old pot: Loosen the soil around the root ball with a trowel. When you feel you have sufficiently released the tree from the pot, grab it near the base and remove it from the container. Sometimes this is a two-person job - one holding the tree and one pulling down the pot.
Check the root system: If there are roots that completely enclose the root ball, cut them off with a sterile knife. If you don't, they can restrict the root ball as it grows and kill the tree.
Place the tree in the new potand adjust the soil depth so that the root ball is 5 cm below the edge of the container. Refill the soil around the roots until the tree is at the same depth as in the old pot. Water thoroughly to allow the soil to settle. Add more soil if necessary.
That's it - you're done and can enjoy freshly squeezed lemonade from your own lemons for a few more years.
Notice: Typically, a lemon tree is transplanted every three to four years.
Cut the lemon tree roots and transplant them into the old pot
Using a sharp soil knife or pruning shears, carefully cut off the outer round layer of roots and soil.
Then use your hands to loosen the root system and cut off the threadlike roots (taproots), not the tapered ones. You just need to remove no more than a third of the taproots. Also cut out the dead roots.
Then put the tree back in the old pot but with new soil and plant it at the same depth as before. Water thoroughly to allow the soil to settle.
How to care for your citrus tree after repotting
- Lemon trees love sunlight. It is ideal if it gets around 6 hours of sunlight every day. If you grow it indoors, it is possible to illuminate it using LED bulbs.
- Your tree thrives particularly well at temperatures between 24 and 29 degrees.
- Also, place the tree in a place where there is no strong wind.
- In cooler climates, you can put the lemon tree outside, but keep it in direct sunlight. When the temperature drops below freezing at night and in winter, bring him indoors. You can find more useful tips regarding winter storage in the article “Cut the lemon tree and overwinter it - this way it won't lose any leaves“
- Immediately after repotting, water your lemon tree at one-day intervals, being careful not to drench the soil. It should be moist but not wet.
Lemon tree as a houseplant – how should you care for it?You can find out here!
