Well, a photo is always helpful, but I suspect it is just a factor of moving the Meyer Lemon, which is rather sensitive to changes in light, good or bad. If you're seeing new flush at those nodes, or elsewhere, I wouldn't worry about it. Older leaves drop as a normal course of events for citrus trees. My only concern about the CFL lights is to make sure it is high enough above your tree so it doesn't burn the closest leaves. But, I'm not an indoor container expert by any stretch. Hopefully some of our more experienced indoor citrus folks will comment. Add some photos which will help to stimulate some feedback.
Patty S.

Hi Patty!

Thanks, I've been digging out of 2+ feet of snow here :( I'll get some pictures posted once I get a few seconds. I did some research before getting the CFL, most experts on the "Growing Under Lights" forum say you need at least 5000 lumens to have any effect, but since mine is only supplimenting natural light, it seems pretty effective. Also, they spell out safe distance from the light, and most people say 6-12" is more than enough and its not very effective beyond that range. The leaves closest to the lamp actually seem to be doing the best. They're very full, deep green color and show little sign of stress.

Then changing of the environment situation makes sense to me. It gets a good amount of light now that its on the south side of my house, although its still weak at this time of year. I'm using the gauge of new growth and buds as an indicator that overall it was the right decision, could it be shedding some leaves to divert energy to the growth?

I can't wait for spring. This snow and short days are killing me. I'll get some pics soon. Thanks!!!

Hello Again,

Took some pictures of the tree. This picture shows where i have the CFL positioned relative to the tree. Tough to tell but there is about 6" between the closest leaves and the bulb. I'll post another follow-up with some other pictures.

New growth!

Here's the problem I'm seeing up close. 2 leaves right next to each other, one is deep green, the next closest to the trunk is developing chlorosis and will probably slough off in the next few days.

I think your tree needs more fertilizer as the new upper leaves are stealing Nitrogen from your lower older leaves.

You are keeping your trees in extreme growth mode with that much artificial and natural light with that kind of warmth which calls for more nutrients.

I think your trees over all looks terrific and in fact nice and green! You are doing great with the 5.1.1 mix and the Foliage Pro...
Watch for a bit of yellowing throught as the day gets longer.
If this happens, then check to see what the pH of your water is, and if it's higher than 7.0, use vinegar to acidify your watering solution.

Great job and I am so happy to see such beautiful trees grown in just about the same fashion as I do.

Just don't be afraid to up your fertilizer to about 1/2 teaspoon at every watering since you are only fertilizing once every other week since you said you only water once every two weeks.
Great job!

Mike

Thanks Mike!!

I was wondering that about the fertilization... I'll double up on my next few waterings to see how it reacts. These days I'm hardly watering it at all it seems, on account of the cool indoor conditions. My water is definitely basic. The Worcester water report shows an average pH of almost 8, so starting with my last feeding I threw a capful of vinegar into my watering can.

I have to say its very encouraging hearing such kind words from someone who's trees look as good as yours!! I am a complete newbie when it comes to container gardening in general, so I'm just glad following the advice of yourself and the other experts on this forum is paying off.

On a side note how did you make out in the storm? I got trapped in New Haven for the weekend waiting for the plows to come. Over 3' of snow there. It was incredible.

Thanks!!!!!

-Mike B

Mike..

You are very welcome and thanks for your comments!

Yes, I did make it and now you would not even know it was that bad, right? The snow has melted so much since then but boy was I buried at that time! I could not get out of my house and had to shovel 4 feet off my flat roof.

It's great to see you using vinegar. You should notice a remarkable difference in the over all vigor of your trees.

Yes, I would say I can tell you are feeding yours well and that tree has much vivid green in it, what I look for in mine. Great job!

When the spring is in full swing and the days longer, it will be looking for more nutrients than what you are already supplying, so be prepared for that.

Mike:-)