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neurosci

Help save my Meyer lemon

Neurosci
10 years ago

Hello all,

Here is picture from today of my Meyer lemon tree.

[URL=http://s48.photobucket.com/user/t5Nitroz/media/photo-1.jpg.html][img]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f249/t5Nitroz/photo-1.jpg[/img][/URL]

I give it a pitcher of water weekly with 2 tsp fertilizer.

I was thinking about repotting it. I bought miracle grow cactus/citrus soil, but I have not opened it yet; I wanted to see if anybody on here would have any advice.

Here is the 5:1:1 that it is in now.

[URL=http://s48.photobucket.com/user/t5Nitroz/media/photo2-1.jpg.html][img]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f249/t5Nitroz/photo2-1.jpg[/img][/URL]

As you can see, most of the tree is dead. It's just slowly dying.

Comments (15)

  • Neurosci
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    I will provide direct links to the photobucket images, considering the IMG code does not seem to work in this forum. Sorry for that. This is the second time I've tried using them. You will have to copy the below links and paste them into your browser. Thanks!

    http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f249/t5Nitroz/photo-1.jpg

    http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f249/t5Nitroz/photo2-1.jpg

    This post was edited by Neurosci on Tue, Dec 31, 13 at 16:00

  • poncirusguy6b452xx
    10 years ago

    This is his tree

    {{gwi:651396}}

    Use the HTML link and paste it into the text body

    This post was edited by poncirusguy on Tue, Dec 31, 13 at 16:46

  • blue72
    10 years ago

    It need some light

  • Neurosci
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    That's it? I put a grow light next to it, but it must not be adequate.

    Unfortunately, winters up here are relatively long. Hopefully it makes it to spring.

  • Neurosci
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Also, if I put my hand in 2-3" down into the soil and it feels cool/moist but not wet, should I not water? I tend to water it once per week. Not sure if it's too much or not.

  • poncirusguy6b452xx
    10 years ago

    my tree gets watered once a month, with a thorough flush every 3 months. About every week the top inch dries out and I water only that. I do this 3 times so that the deeper soil also has time to loose water and allow fresh oxygen in deep. Otherwise the deeper soil remains wet enough for root rot to set in. As far as light goes check out what OI do that works wonders for me.

    Here is a link that might be useful: http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/wreristhechimney/slideshow/sunshine2013

  • jean001a
    10 years ago

    A few suggestions to start:
    - The brown stems are dead. Remove them.
    - The flower buds are using resources the tree needs to grow leaves Remove them.
    - Place the plant in full sun -- as much as is possible.
    - And water only enough to keep the soil barely moist. Which, because of the no-leaf situation, may be less than once a week.

  • carolstropicals
    10 years ago

    I would say, when you water, take it to the sink and completely water so that the soil is wet everywhere.
    I gave someone a palm that I found out was dying. I went to see and she was watering the palm with only a cup of water now and again. I took it to the bathtub to soak, but alas it was too late. Before watering like this, it might be good to increase the watering slowly so there is not a shock. This has been my experience with plants. Carol

  • Neurosci
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Thanks for the suggestions. Would anyone advise that I repot it? I removed the brown branches and buds. Just since I took that photo yesterday, the branch going towards the right side of the photo is turning color in the middle.

    This post was edited by Neurosci on Wed, Jan 1, 14 at 13:41

  • greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
    10 years ago

    No, don't re-pot it. The additional stress might kill it outright. Moreover, this is not the optimum time for re-potting, even if the tree were full of vitality. Better to limp it through the rest of the Winter.

    What sort of mix is that? Bark-based or Coconut?

    Josh

  • Neurosci
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    It's fir bark based.

  • jean001a
    10 years ago

    When evergreen trees/shrubs are leafless, they are seriously stressed.

    Consider that this plant may not be worth struggling with, perhaps for years, to improve its health.

    Also consider that it may be wise to obtain a replacement when fresh citrus are available in the spring.

  • User
    10 years ago

    I agree, does not look good. Too much dead wood...I have had citrus recuperate with 100% leaf loss but when stems were green and alive. A plant that has so much dead tissue does not need more water and fertilizer. At best, I would cut out all dead tissue, refrain from watering, not feed, and wait for Spring but not expect a miracle here.

  • Neurosci
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Sounds good, I figured as such. I will wait it out and order another in the spring time to give it another try.

  • greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
    10 years ago

    Well, bark-based is a good choice, and further reason to leave the tree be. I'd strip the flowers, as Jean suggests. Give it light, light, light. Consider sticking a wick through one of the drainage holes to move the moisture in the lower layers. Add a wooden skewer or dowel to the mix to determine when the lower layers are drying. I would do all this and still look for a replacement in the Spring.

    Josh