When it comes to planting and growing a lemon tree, the size of your pot is essential. Containers that are too small or too large can cause severe issues with the growth and development of the tree, potentially making it impossible for it to reach its full potential. This guide will discuss the ramifications of inappropriate pot sizes and how to select the proper size for your lemon tree.
Selecting the Right Pot for Lemon Tree
When selecting a pot for lemon tree, two key pieces need to considered: material and size. For material, clay-based pottery is a popular choice, as it is relatively cheap and lightweight. These clay pots offer superior drainage compared to plastic, which reduces the risk of root rot. Additionally, clay pots look great as home decor and can be used for other plants as well. As for size, an ideal pot should be one to two-thirds the size of the tree’s root ball. Using a pot too large can cause excessive water to collect at the base of the tree, resulting in root rot, while small pots can limit the tree’s growth potential.
Advantages of the Right Pot Size
Using the right size pot for your lemon tree comes with many advantages. After planting, the root ball quickly takes up moisture and begins growing. If the pot is too large, the plant’s roots become lazy and weak, leading to negative effects on the overall growth and health of the lemon tree. An appropriately sized pot encourages an easy drainage system and prevents excessive water from sitting at the base of the tree. When the pot is too big, the plant does not receive adequate exposure to light, leading to a nutrient and energy deficiency that ultimately stunts the tree’s development.
Caring for the Lemon Tree
Caring for the lemon tree properly is essential to ensure that it thrives. With the right size pot, ensure that the tree is regularly fertilized and watered. Water the lemon tree 2-3 times per week – enough to ensure that the soil is evenly moist, but not so much that it’s soggy. Additionally, check for pests and monitor the tree’s growth. If the leaves begin to yellow, prune them away as a potential sign of root rot, and check for pests as well. If a pot needs to be moved, use a repotting soil to maintain the root system’s health.
What to Avoid
Keeping the pot in the same spot and not moving can limit the growth of the lemon tree. Additionally, avoid over-watering and over-fertilizing. If the soil isn’t moist enough, the tree won’t get the properly dispersed nutrients necessary for growth. Over-fertilizing can also lead to an overabundance of salt in the soil and reduce your lemon tree’s growth. Finally, avoid using weed killers and lawn fertilizers near your tree, as these can easily get into the soil and damage the tree.
Possible Problems with Too Small Pot
Using a pot that is too small can also cause problems. Under-watering is a common issue – the small pot does not contain enough moisture for the lemon tree’s needs. Additionally, pots that are too small also cause root growth to become stunted, limiting the amount of soil the root can absorb and leading to decreased growth and development. Finally, small pots create additional problems with pest control, due to the difficultly of getting rid of the pests from the tiny space.
Using a Bigger Pot
When the pot size is too small for the lemon tree, it’s important to upsize. First, identify a pot made of similar material as the original. Therefore, if the pot is clay, choose another clay pot of the same size or bigger. For the new pot size, identify one that’s one-third bigger than its current size. When transferring the tree, take care to ensure the root system remains intact. Cut away any damaged roots, and repot in a similar soil as the original.
Mixing Soil and Fertilizers
When transferring to a new pot, mix soil and fertilizers to ensure optimal growth and health. Start with a light soil that can hold moisture but still provide good drainage. For example, a common blend is a loamy soil mix of two parts loamy, one part peat, and one part sharp sand. Additionally, use soil-enriching fertilizers for chemical balance. Fertilizers that contain iron help to add pH balance, and organic fertilizers like cow manure help to add additional nutrients. Lastly, for slow-release fertilizers, add organic compost.
Repotting Lemon Trees
When repotting lemon trees, strive for a medium-sized pot. Container size affects the intensity of water and oxygen uptake, so using a pot too large or too small will create issues. Additionally, ensure the location of the pot is in a spot that receives proper sunlight and is sheltered from winds and heavy rains. Finally, applying appropriate pruning techniques will help train the roots and provide proper growth and development.
Adequate Drainage and Airflow
When selecting and using a pot for lemon tree, ensure that it has adequate drainage. If the pot lacks drainage or has excessive drainage, it can create serious issues with water intake and root growth. Additionally, try to find a pot that has enough airflow for the tree, as this also affects the tree’s ability to absorb adequate water and nutrients from the soil. Holes in the bottom of the pot help with airflow, and can be strategically placed for the best results.
Nutrition and Fertilization
When it comes to lemon trees, providing additional nutrition is key to the health and development of the tree. Nitrogen is essential for healthy leaf growth, and phosphorus and potassium are important for overall health and root growth. Fertilize your tree every 1-2 weeks with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and use fertilizers to supplement minor or major elements as needed. As well, most fertilizers have specific instructions so it’s important to read the label and follow the instructions correctly.
Pruning Tips
Pruning is also essential for the health of your lemon tree. Pruning helps to remove dead or dying branches, allowing for better sun exposure and development of new growth. Depending on the age and type of tree, different pruning methods should be used. To avoid damage, invest in a good pair of pruning shears and use a ladder when necessary. When pruning, always aim for the graft – the spot on the trunk where the rootstock and scion have been joined – and avoid cutting beyond it.
