Losing all the leaves on your lemon tree is a frustrating and eventually worrisome site. Several causes could be responsible, and a thorough analysis of the situation will help to identify and solve the problem. Contraction words
Nutrient Deficiency
A lack of essential nutrients needed for proper growth is one of the most common reasons for a lemon tree’s leaves to fall off. A deficiency of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other elements in the soil can cause plants to become withdrawn from photosynthesis – the process of converting the energy from sunlight into glucose. This deprives the plant of enough energy to keep its leaves healthy, causing them to shrink and finally drop off.
pH Level
The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil that your lemon tree is planted in. Lemon trees require soil with an acidic pH of around 6.5 to thrive. Using overly alkaline soil or not regularly testing the soil’s pH can lead to your lemon tree’s leaves becoming yellow and fragile, then falling off altogether.
Watering Inconsistencies
Incorrect watering of your lemon tree can cause dryness or over-hydration of the soil, both of which will affect the health of your leaves. Watering twice a week is usually enough as long as the soil has a proper drainage system. If you’re unsure, it’s best to stick to the “soak and dry” principle, which means to completely water the soil once and only water it again after it has dried.
Temperature Fluctuations
Exposure to temperature extremes can also harm lemon trees and cause the leaves to fall off. Ideal temperatures for a lemon tree range from around 50-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures significantly above or below this range can cause stress to the tree, impairing its ability to absorb nutrients from the soil and keeping the leaves from growing healthy.
Poor Air Circulation
Placement is also an important factor in keeping your lemon tree healthy. Your lemon tree needs an adequate amount of air circulation to receive the right amount of nutrients and moisture. If you’re planting your tree in a pot, it’s best to keep it in a bright location and avoid overcrowding to ensure proper airflow. Otherwise, the leaves will become stunted and fall off.
Pests & Diseases
Inspecting your lemon tree regularly for pests and diseases will also help keep your tree in good health. Diseases like powdery mildew, rust and root rot can harm the leaves, turning them yellow and eventually causing them to fall off. Regular checks for pests like aphids and mites will ensure your tree stays pest-free, avoiding any disruption to your lemon tree’s growth.
Environmental Factors
Fertilizing the tree can boost the lemon tree’s shoot growth but be careful not to use too much or too often, or it could lead to an unhealthy accumulation of fertilizer salts in the soil. Exposure to pollutants, such as smoke and car exhaust, can also affect the health of the leaves, so try to keep your lemon tree away from possible sources of contamination.
