Meyer lemon trees are a popular choice for those looking to grow their own citrus fruit in the comfort of their own home. Planting a Meyer lemon tree in a pot can be a great way to make sure it gets the right amount of sunlight and water, and can make it easier to move the tree indoors when needed. Here’s how to go about planting a Meyer lemon tree in a pot.
Step 1: Selecting the Right Pot & Soil
The first step in planting a Meyer lemon tree in a pot is selecting the right pot and soil. Choose a pot with drainage holes, to ensure that the tree’s roots don’t get waterlogged and cause the tree to rot. Fill the pot with a rich potting soil, adding in a soil amendment like perlite or vermiculite to increase drainage. The pot should also be wide and shallow, rather than tall and narrow.
Step 2: Preparing the Plant
Before placing the plant in the pot, it’s important to make sure that the plant is healthy and well acclimated. Gently remove the plant from its plastic container and inspect the roots. If they’re overly dry and brittle, water the roots with a light mist before replanting. Be sure not to leave the roots exposed to air longer than necessary.
Step 3: Placing the Plant in the Pot
Once the pot and soil have been selected and the plant prepared, it’s time to place the plant in the pot. Fill with soil to just below the rim of the pot, making sure that the plant’s crown is slightly above the soil level. Firm the soil around the base of the plant and water it in, taking care to not overwater the tree.
Step 4: Caring for the Plant
Once the Meyer lemon tree is in its pot, it’s time to take care of it. Place the pot in a spot that gets plenty of indirect sunlight, and water it regularly. Test the soil near the base of the plant, and if it feels dry, give the tree a deep watering. Prune any dead or damaged branches, and don’t forget to fertilize with a citrus tree fertilizer every few months for optimal growth.
Tips for Planting a Meyer Lemon Tree in a Pot
When planting a Meyer lemon tree in a pot, there are a few tips to keep in mind. The pot should be large enough to give the tree’s roots room to grow, and it’s important to rotate the pot every so often to ensure that the tree is getting equal amounts of sunlight on all sides. Meyer lemon trees can also benefit from regular misting to provide additional humidity.
When to Repot a Meyer Lemon Tree
Meyer lemon trees grow quickly, and they’ll often need to be transplanted into a larger pot after a few years. Pay attention to the tree’s growth, and when the roots start to crowd the pot, it’s time to upgrade to a larger pot. Repot the tree in much the same way it was planted originally, taking care not to damage the tree’s roots.
Preventing Disease & Pests
It’s important to take steps to prevent disease and pests from attacking your Meyer lemon tree. Regularly inspect the tree for signs of disease, and check for any pests that may be affecting it. Treat for any pests according to the instructions on the product, and use a fungicide to treat any diseases. It’s also important to keep the pot and the area around it clean, to prevent pests from settling in.
Encouraging Fruit Production
Your Meyer lemon tree may take a few years to start producing fruit, but with the right care, you can give it the best chance of producing a good crop. Supply the tree with plenty of water, sun, and nutrients, and make sure that it’s receiving adequate pollination by providing a source of pollinators such as bees. Prune the tree to enhance its shape and form sevveral times a year, to keep it looking its best.
