Growing Meyer Lemon help

[mupcycledcouture]

So, I got my Meyer lemon tree about 2 weeks ago. I left it in its pot for 2 weeks like my instructions said. Its leaves starting falling off, despite the fact that I watered it. I put it in its new pot because I think some of the leaving coming off was the pot they sent it in was to flimsy and it just wanst getting enough water. I know they dont like a lot of water though. 

So now I have a tree that has branches, some flowers, several lemons forming and no leaves! LOL It has been coming in and out of the house since it has been nice out and in the 70's. But in at night since it is still chilly. 

Other than watering it and finding a fertilizer for it, is there something else I should do? 

[Deleted]

I planted lemon trees from seeds when I was about 4. It took them 20 plus years to ever get fruit and my mom hated them because they got so big and were hard to drag outside every summer and repot and when they were inside, the cats dug in them. I do remember them dropping leaves a lot, I think it was from underwatering too, but I'm not sure. They always bounced back though and were about 6' tall. My guess is they're stressed from shipping, repotting, and different environment/temperature from where they were grown and will be fine once they settle in.

[mupcycledcouture]

Sadly mine cant live outside year around, they would freeze to death. So he is going to stay in this pot until he outgrows it, which may take another year or two. He is already 3 years old, I was just shocked her is getting fruit already but he was blooming when I got him. The smell in my house was wonderful that day!

The mandarin tree is full and bushy with leaves but those lightened up a bit. That one wont get fruit until next winter I believe so he is just going to hang out by the lemon tree so he doesnt get lonely.

At some point they will be joined by a lime tree and maybe an avocado tree. Depends on how well my greenhouse does in the winter because if not, they have to live in my dining room.

[Deleted]

I know nothing about nothing when it comes to growing anything, but now I can't get Trini Lopez outta my head.

[Deleted]

What State/zone are you in?  I live in SW Florida so can grow anything here.  The meyer lemon is the one they sell in the stores and has the best flavor of all lemons.

All the gardeners in the US hang out at the GardenWeb.  This is the best place to read gardening advise and post questions for your zone too.  I love this website!
forums.gardenweb.com/forums

Here are a few links turning up when I did a search for "Dwarf Meyer Lemon" at the gardenweb.
www.gardenweb.com/gardenweb/query/Dwarf-Meyer-Lemon

Remember you need to have a mama and a papa to have babies... which means you usually need TWO citrus trees to have fruit or you will need to hand pollinate.

Think "dwarf" varieties for growing in pots or in a small greenhouse.  They sell trees grafted to dwarf stock. There is a dwarf meyer lemon.  Have a look.
www.gurneys.com/product/dwarf_meyer_lemon/perennials

DO NOT buy fruit trees from places like Home Depot and Lowes.  They only sell the left over garbage trees the nurseries don't want... and you will be bringing home bugs and disease to your other trees.  Only buy from a nursery that sells the best of the best and make sure there is a certificate tag on the tree.  You pay a couple more dollars but it is worth it.

If I wanted to grow fruit trees in a cold climate, then I would have a green house.  There are so many different ways of putting one together.  The internet is filled with ideas.

I moved and no longer have a garden but I have grown just about everything over the years.  The meyer lemon was my favorite lemon tree.  I always top trim a citrus tree so they grow fat and wide... and easier to pick the fruit.  I trimmed the orange and lime trees the same way. 

I would get your greenhouse going and put these trees into the ground.  Maybe think about a combo shade house and green house too.

www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/garden/22garden.html?n=Top%2FNews%2FScience%2FTopics%2FTrees%20and%20Shrubs&_r=0

www.yearofthedurian.com/2014/09/tropical-greenhouse-in-ohio-usa.html#.VWdeSKJnBrY

We have cold belts coming into SW Florida too and young trees and get frost bit.  Against all advice, I planted fruit trees close together.  They protect each other from the cold when planted close.  And I gave these lots of compost but then I had my own compost pits too.  When frost was coming, I would run out there with old sheets I got at the thrift stores and cover the younger trees.  If I lived in a colder climate, I would build a green house. 

Also I would join a local garden club in your area... one that has members growing fruit trees so you can learn which varieties grow best in your area.

There are a lot of websites giving advice on growing fruit in cold weather climates...

www.sustainablehomesteading.com/edible-and-medicinal-plants/growing-cold-hardy-food-forest-berries-vines-fruit-trees/

permaculturenews.org/2013/09/13/fruits-and-nuts-our-cold-climate-favorites-massachusetts-usa/

I would do a search on your state... "growing fruit trees in (your state)" to find out the varieties etc.

Greenhouses are expensive but you can build your own for cheap... so many ideas on how to build your own on the internet.

[Deleted]

Apr 1, 2015 22:32:20 GMT mupcycledcouture said:

So, I got my Meyer lemon tree about 2 weeks ago. I left it in its pot for 2 weeks like my instructions said. Its leaves starting falling off, despite the fact that I watered it. I put it in its new pot because I think some of the leaving coming off was the pot they sent it in was to flimsy and it just wanst getting enough water. I know they dont like a lot of water though. 

So now I have a tree that has branches, some flowers, several lemons forming and no leaves! LOL It has been coming in and out of the house since it has been nice out and in the 70's. But in at night since it is still chilly. 

Other than watering it and finding a fertilizer for it, is there something else I should do? 

Regarding the falling leaves... this is usually a change in climate/temp... or light issue... or watering problem.  Check and make sure your heater vent is not blowing on any of your trees/plants.  If it is, then put one of those plastic things that direct the air flow in another direction. Put a thermometer in the room and check the temp.  It is a good idea to keep the temp in the room at the same temp all year round.

Also check and see if any direct sun is coming in through glass and burning the leaves.