Cloning a lemon tree may seem like a difficult process to many but it is, in fact, quite simple. First, one must acquire a healthy, non-diseased lemon tree. Do not attempt to clone a tree that is being affected by a virus. Once you have the desired lemon tree, locate a stem with a few leaves on it and snip it off. Dip the stem in some type of hormone for root growth and then place it into a previously prepared pot of potting soil. Be sure the pot is located in an area that receives ample sunlight, between six to eight hours daily, and water it regularly. The soil should remain continuously damp.
It could take from two to six weeks for root growth to occur, and signs of new growth should start to appear shortly after that. The new tree should be transplanted into a larger pot and given more room for growth. Pruning the tree so that it has a proper shape and size must be done early on and, if necessary, the application of fertilizer is recommended. With some patience, proper watering and ongoing care, the lemon tree should produce good fruit in due time.
Now that you know the basics in cloning lemon trees, take a look at the four subsections for added clarity:
Preparing the Potting Soil
To clone a lemon tree, the first step is to prepare the potting mix. Start by combining a good quality topsoil and organic matter with a mix of shallower soil and coco coir or vermiculite. The soil should be loose enough to allow drainage while holding enough moisture, as well as containing added nutrients and an inoculation of beneficial bacteria. Once the desired soil is ready, it should be placed in a pot either in a container or on the ground and placed in an area that receives ample sunlight.
Gathering Materials
Gathering materials is the next step in cloning a lemon tree. After gathering the necessary materials, locate a healthy, non-diseased lemon tree and find a stem with a few leaves on it and snip it off. Dip the stem in rooting hormone and place into the soil previously prepared. It is also recommended to use a bag, such as a plastic bag, to cover the pot to help maintain humidity and help the roots grow. Once the bag is added, watering should medium-frequent.
Monitor New Growth
Monitoring new growth is necessary in cloning lemon trees. It could take from two to six weeks for root growth to occur and signs of new growth should start to appear shortly after that. When the new lemon tree start to emerge, be sure to transplant the new tree into a larger pot. As the tree growth, pruning is recommended to shape and maintain the desired size. In addition, it is important to water regularly and fertilize if necessary.
Harvesting Fruits
When it comes to harvesting fruits, it shouldn’t take more than two years to start harvesting. Once the new lemon tree begins to produce the desired fruit, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. To keep the tree healthy, regular pruning and fertilizing must continue. The tree should also be watered regularly, just enough for it to remain moist but not soggy, as lemon trees do not thrive in to much moisture. By following the steps outlined above, you should have no problem cloning and harvesting from your lemon tree.
