One month ago, the lemon tree in our backyard was a sturdy little thing, tucked snugly away between an azalea and a hydrangea. It had lovely deep green leaves and a fat little lemon.
We decided to move it to the newly-cleared flowerbed by the back fence in order to give it more space and more sun. Sadly, one month later, I have a sinking feeling that our lemon tree is dying. The leaves have turned a sickly yellow, they have curled up, and the single lemon is now shriveled and dried up. We really thought the sun and space would help it thrive, but the opposite is happening.
We suspect overwatering. We've stopped watering it for now, but we're still not sure if the tree can be saved, or how we're supposed to care for it anyway. Does anyone have any ideas? Can anybody save this plant? Somebody call 9-1-1-P-L-A-N-T!
For more sinking feelings, click here.
I wish good health and a speedy recovery for your lemon tree. My thumbs are the opposite of green. Everything I touch in the yard takes a turn for the worse, so I am afraid I have no valuable advice to share.
ReplyDeleteMy plants only thrive until it is time to move them to a bigger pot, so I feel your pain.
ReplyDeleteBTW, thanks for commenting on my blog!
Tell me more about your tree.
ReplyDeleteblog hopin', very neat and I enjoyed my visit . Come and see me sometimes. TC
ReplyDeleteIf you look at my blog entry for this week's Thursday Thirteen (http://aroundtheisland.blogspot.com/2007/08/tt27-13-reasons-garden-centers-bar.html) you will see that I am the very very last person in the world who should express an opinion about anything plant-related, but I will tell you that my own citrus trees often look like that and my not nearly as black-thumbed as I friend claims that it's from not enough water. Still, if I've said it the opposite is probably true, so I wouldn't put much stock in my answer...
ReplyDeleteOur little lemon and lime trees have recently gone from looking amazing to looking pathetic as well. I've given them a dose of citrus fertilizer thinking perhaps they were lacking in nutrients and so far, it has seemed to help...
ReplyDeleteWow! I don't know anything about lemon trees. I don't know anything about plants, but I inherit other people's disasters and sometimes just ignoring them creates healthy leaves and stems. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhen we replant something, usually the old leaves dry out and new ones are formed. Look at for new buds. You might be amazed. It takes time. Have patience. Don't water it more than once. If it is very hot, twice is enough. Not more.
ReplyDeleteTalk to yourplants. Believe me it helps. My mom hums to them!!
Thank you all for your kind and encouraging words! I can feel my thumb turning greener with every comment I read :) I hope our lemon tree feels all the love you guys are sending its way!
ReplyDeleteI never have had much luck moving plants. They are so touchy :( Good luck!
ReplyDeleteBTW I loved your last post!
The good news is, it's the right time of year for moving trees. (new saplings in the spring, established trees in the late summer/fall)
ReplyDeleteI wish it luck and love. I adore lemons. I would love to meet a lemon tree someday. (I live in the northeast)
Sorry, I can't help too.
ReplyDeleteHowever, like humans, moving away from our comfort zone means adjustment to the new environment. I hope the lemon tree is adjusting like what gautami said. I've got a colleague who talked to plants and they grew well.