It’s a common occurrence when looking out at your lemon tree to find a couple of leaves with a signifcant part of their surface turning white. There are three common reasons as to what might be causing this condition. Firstly, lack of water might be at play. Lemon trees need regular watering to ensure their leaves remain healthy. When their water intake is insufficient, their leaves will turn white as a sign of distress. Secondly, the tree might be receiving too much sun. Lemon trees prefer partial sun and protection from the harsh elements of full sunlight exposure. Lastly, the tree may not be getting enough nutrients from the soil in which it’s planted. Lemons are sensitive to the acidity and PH levels in the soil and it’s important to check on this every once in a while.
Lack of Water
The most common cause of lemon tree leaves turning white is due to lack of water. Without sufficient water, the leaves will start to curl up, they’ll turn white, and eventually the tree won’t bear any fruit. Always make sure to provide your lemon tree with adequate water. If the soil is too dry, sprinkle the tree with water every couple of days to keep it hydrated. If you don’t have a sprinkler, you can make use of a watering can or an automatic irrigation system. It’s also a good idea to set yourself a reminder to water your tree, as forgetting could cause major harm to the fruit production.
Partial Sun
It’s important that your lemon tree receives a steady balance of sunshine and shade for optimal growth. Too much sun can actually be detrimental for the tree, turning the leaves white. Plant your lemon tree in an area which won’t be exposed to too much sun, as that can damage its leaves. If you don’t have a spot to give it partial shade, you can create some shade for it – for instance by putting up a sun shield or related device.
Soil Acidity or PH Levels
Lastly, a lemon tree’s leaves can turn white when the soil isn’t right. The detriment may come in the form of acidity, PH levels, or lack of nutrients. If the PH balance isn’t in check, it will start to sap the tree of its energy, leaving it weak and vulnerable. To test the PH levels, you can buy a soil tester kit from your local gardening store. If it’s too acidic, you can add nutrients to the soil in the form of mulch, manure and compost.
Disinfecting your Tree
It’s important to treat the lemon tree for any diseases that might be making it sick. The most common disease affecting citrus trees is a fungal disease called citrus canker, which can cause the leaves to turn white. If you suspect that it’s the underlying cause, you’ll need to disinfect the tree. The best way to do this is to get a fungicide and spray it thoroughly on the leaves and fruit.
Pest Control
If your lemon tree’s leaves are turning white, a pesky critter may be to blame. Pests such as aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, or whiteflies can all cause your tree to wither and its leaves to turn white. To prevent this from happening, make sure to inspect your tree regularly for signs of pests. If there are any, you can use insecticides to exterminate them.
Calcium Deficiency
A lemon tree can suffer from calcium deficiency due to improper fertilization and water conditions. This not only affects its ability to produce fruit, but can also cause the leaves to turn white. To keep your tree healthy and its leaves vibrant, you should make sure to provide a regulated amount of both water and fertilizer. Some of the essential nutrients needed are nitrogen and calcium, both of which are essential for a healthy tree.
Trimming Dead Leaves
Often, the white patches on a lemon tree’s leaves could be due to dead foliage, rather than a lack of nutrients or water. In these cases, you should periodically trim away the dead leaves to remove them from the tree. This will encourage healthy growth and the production of new, green leaves.
