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oxymore

Weird plant growing in my lemon tree pot

oxymore
10 years ago

Hi There,

I've been taking care of this lemon tree for 2 years now with no fruits so far. I fertilize and water it as instructed online.

It's sitting in the balcony in my Dubai apartment. Temperatures here can get extremely hot during summer (up to 115F). I have two questions:

1- I've left this little plant grow at the base of my lemon tree. What is it ? It's not week is it ? I like how it looks but is it harmful to the lemon tree ?

2- Does my lemon tree look healthy ? i'm worried about the leaves curling but my guess is it's due to the extreme direct sun it had during the summertime (my balcony gets around 4 hours of direct sun rays).

It's my first post here and would really like some advice on it. I've attached some pics for my tree and the plant growing underneath it.

Comments (7)

  • oxymore
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Some more pics, hope it helps.

  • meyermike_1micha
    10 years ago

    I would probably take that plant right out of the. Citrus don't like to share nutrients, water and root space.

    Your tree looks dry or lacking in moisture. Have you ever let it dry out too much before? If just once then lot's of roots have passed and you need to watch your watering practices now.

    If your tree was taking up moisture correctly, it should be fine in the hot sun as long as that pot is not over heating..Have you ever felt the side of that pot in the full sun? I know that dark porclean can get very hot and cook your roots. Have you tried using aluminum foil or a light colored cloth of some sort wrapped around the pot?
    You could also use the pot in pot method.

    Have you checked to see whether bugs are sucking the moisture out of your leaves?

    Have you been watering so as to flow out from the bottom since you are fertilizing?

    What kind of mix are you using and how often do you have to water? Is it porous or hard like?

    That other plant tells me that something is wrong with your citrus roots since that plant is so healthy looking.

    Check the roots out and do a few corrections and see what happens and welcome from across the pond!

    MIke

  • orangelime1
    10 years ago

    I would remove the plant growing in your lemon tree pot. If you want to keep the plant repot it in another pot. Is there anyway you can wash your plant , it is probably full of dust and where there is dust there is usually spider mites. You will probably lose quite a few leaves if you wash , it looks like a few of the leaves are hanging on by a thread. Is there any way you can give your tree fresh air , maybe opening a window at night , I know it gets really hot in Dubai. I would definitely follow Mikes check list.


    Brian

  • johnorange
    10 years ago

    Your vine looks kind of like a pea of some kind.

  • PunkRotten
    10 years ago

    I agree, pull it out. It is only going to compete with your Citrus. Also, you might wanna consider lightly pruning your tree. Your tree doesn't look too healthy and I think the trim could help it.

  • PunkRotten
    10 years ago

    I also wanna add, daily misting the leaves with a spray bottle can help. CItrus like misting. What do you have for potting mix?

    If you decide to prune, basically you want to take off anything that looks deformed, broken, and diseased. Then have all the growth uniform. If one branch is scraggly or growing more vigorous than the rest, cut it back to the same level as the rest of the tree growth. It may sound scary to do this but your tree will respond well to it. It will put out new healthy growth and perhaps fruit.

  • hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
    10 years ago

    Citrus do not need to be misted. In fact, constant dampness can cause issues. Not sure where this misting information has come from, as it's simply not true, and unnecessary for citrus. Now, a good rinsing every now and then, to rinse off dust is a good idea, but citrus are not plants that need nor require high humidity. If that were the case, we'd never be able to grow them in S. California, especially in our deserts.

    And, not sure the tree needs to be pruned, either. It does appear to be either suffering from dry soil, or possibly overly-wet/compacted soil, as the leaves look a little droopy. Once the soil and water retention/or hydrophobic soil has been addressed, I would provide regular fertilizing, and more light. With those things, you'll have more leaves sprout from the leaf nods, and your sparse canopy should fill out. And, the "hitchiker" plant should be removed.

    Patty S.

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