Lemon - home care for real gardeners. Indoor lemon - subtleties of growing at home Caring for a lemon tree at home

For many plants, spring is a period of awakening from winter rest and a transition to the stage of activation of life processes, a gain of green mass and flowering. Lemon trees are no exception. What care do lemons require in spring? They also awaken and begin to be active. But for this they need certain resources. Let's take a closer look at how to help your citrus fruits go through this period most favorably.

requires more care at home than a regular lemon tree growing outside. This is due to the fact that the room is an unusual environment for this plant, so it is necessary to create the necessary conditions favorable for the growth and flowering of the plant. But the efforts will not be in vain: a lemon tree growing indoors will fit perfectly into the interior and become a highlight of the decor, pleasing the eyes of the inhabitants of the house for a long time.

What does it include caring for indoor lemon at home and how to protect it from death?

To get beautiful fruits in an apartment, you should pay special attention to fertilizing

Features of caring for indoor lemon in spring

1. The need for feeding.

requires special care in the spring, because it is during this period that branches grow most actively, new buds form, and the flowering period begins in older plants. The plant spends more resources than at other times, so it needs additional watering and feeding. As the latter you can use

- special fertilizers for caring for lemon in a pot;
— fertilizers for domestic citrus and other fruit trees;
- universal fertilizers.

The first option is the most optimal and will give the best result, providing the tree with all the substances and microelements necessary for harmonious development.

2. Beginning of flowering and precautions.

Caring for homemade lemon does not always mean saving all flower buds. Flowering and subsequent fruiting require a huge amount of resources, so they are safe only for mature, strong plants. If the tree is still young or simply weak, then the buds should be cut off, otherwise they will draw all their strength onto themselves and destroy the plant. It will not be possible to save them in any case, but if you try to do this, the whole tree will dry out. In order for it to bloom safely, you need to strengthen it earlier, starting from the end of winter and increasing feeding as the weather gets warmer outside and the lemon “spilts out” accordingly (this will happen even if it is always indoors - it will react to the increase in duration solar lighting).

3. Washing after wintering.

4. Transplant into a larger pot.

At caring for lemon in a pot at home you always need to be careful. As soon as it grows so much that the pot becomes too small for it, you need to immediately transplant it into a larger container. Otherwise, in cramped conditions, it may dry out, since there will not be enough space for the rhizome to spread. As you know, the larger the plant, the more developed its root system is in order to be able to take a sufficient amount of nutrients from the soil. If there is too little space for its growth, then it will not be able to provide nutrition to the entire plant, so it will begin to dry out and soon die, no matter how abundant watering and fertilizing are.

5. Pest control.

Spring feeding

in a pot at home, despite the same temperature in the room throughout the year, implies regular feeding in the spring. Any high-nitrogen fertilizer intended for citrus fruits will do. They will help the tree to actively grow leaves and gain strength to set fruit.

It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging and dosage, because satiety with nutrition can be more harmful to the plant than its lack. Mixing two or more drugs is undesirable unless the need for this is indicated in a separate paragraph (this may be the case with complex feeding).

As daylight hours increase, lemons need more nitrogen to grow green mass.

: keep or delete?

As mentioned above, weak plants should not be allowed to bloom, otherwise they may die. But how do you know if a lemon has enough strength? This is determined not only by its general condition (lack of dry or yellowed elements, healthy appearance), but also by the number of leaves: there should be at least 12-15 (depending on the size of the tree). If there are fewer of them, then the buds should be removed. If more, then the tree is already strong and developed enough to withstand flowering and fruit formation. With proper care, you can get not only decorative lemons, but also completely edible and tasty fruits that are no different from store-bought ones.

Timely removal of early ovaries will allow the plant to bear fruit more productively in the future, since its health will not be undermined by vitamin deficiency and lack of nutrition during the formation process.

Proper washing of leaves

Conditions lemon growing and care followed by washing it as needed. This helps get rid of dust and possible pests, and also cleanses the pores of the plant and refreshes it. How to do it right?

First you need to wrap the pot in a plastic bag so as not to flood the soil. Then put it in the bath and wipe all the leaves with water and laundry soap diluted with it. Then you need to rinse the plant with a weak pressure of a warm shower.

It is important to ensure that a lot of water does not get into the ground (even wrapping the pot in cellophane does not make it acceptable to water it with a shower directly from above). It is advisable to tilt the pot so that the water flows directly into the bath and not down the trunk.

Also, to avoid watering the lemon, you need to pause watering before washing, waiting for the soil to dry out a little. Then the water that gets into the pot will not be superfluous, but will be perceived by the plant as watering. But it is impossible to constantly water in this way, because it requires settled water with a minimum amount of chlorine and other elements harmful to any indoor greenery.

Lemon transplantation using the transshipment method

The transshipment method does not require a complete replacement of the soil, but involves transplanting the plant along with the old earthen ball into a new container. To do this, you need to carefully remove the plant from the pot along with the soil and inspect the roots. If they stick out noticeably in different directions, then the new pot should be larger than the previous one. If they intertwine at the bottom, then the same size is enough.

In a new pot, you need to fill the bottom with coarse coarse sand, then add a small layer of earth, and then place it there along with the old lump of earth. At the end you need to level the soil and fertilize it.

This is best done at the end of February, shortly before the plant has entered the active growth phase, but after a period of deep winter hibernation.

Preventive treatment of lemon with Fitoverm

So, caring for a dwarf lemon in the spring and preparing it for summer requires time, effort and precautions. But a well-groomed and healthy plant will not only decorate any interior, but can also produce juicy fruits rich in vitamins. For lovers of floriculture care for indoor lemon It will not be difficult, but for beginners this task is quite difficult.

Spring feeding of indoor lemons with organic matter

Lemon is a citrus fruit from the Rutaceae family. The plant's homeland is considered to be Argentina, Mexico and the subtropical forests of the Mediterranean. In the wild it can also be found in Central Asia, the USA and the Caucasus.

They learned about such a tree in Rus' at the end of the 16th century, and the word “lemon” itself was borrowed from the Persian language. But the plant gained particular popularity among the Russian population only in the 18th century.

Today, Russians use lemon to make confectionery, icing, jams and drinks.

Many people like to add citrus slices to tea. In the West, this drink is even called “Russian tea.”

Lemon is often consumed as a snack with vodka and cognac.

Lemon pulp should be consumed with caution, since it can cause a strong allergic reaction, which is not always associated with the substances contained in the fruit. Sometimes this is caused by chemical residues that remain on the skin of the fruit after treating the trees to protect them from pests. Therefore, purchased lemons must be washed well before eating.

They are not recommended for use as food by people who suffer from any gastrointestinal diseases, as well as high stomach acidity. Hypertensive patients should also avoid lemons. Everyone else can start growing their own citrus tree right on the windowsill to enjoy fresh fruits, untreated with chemicals.

Lemon is a citrus evergreen plant from the rue family. In its natural habitat it is found in Southeast Asia. Now lemon is used as an ornamental and fruit tree. At home, in apartments or greenhouses, a lemon can bear no more than 15-20 fruits.

Medicinal properties of lemon

The medicinal qualities of the lemon tree and in particular its fruits have been known for a long time. Good essential oils are obtained from the squeezed peel. The fruit itself contains vitamin C, a group of vitamins B, and E.

In medicine, lemon is used for fever, as a remedy for bronchitis, tonsillitis, and stomach diseases.

The juice makes the walls of blood vessels more elastic and strong, lowers blood pressure. It is also used as a preventative measure as an additive to teas and infusions for colds, and improves immunity.

Description: Perennial plant, 1-1.5 m high, in the form of a bush or miniature tree. Branched stems that become woody over time and become covered with brown bark. Numerous shoots with several periods of growth over 1 year.

On the shoots, leaves are formed that are quite massive in relation to the size of the tree, oval-shaped and preferably of a uniform light green color. A clear vein is visible along the leaf.

After 2-3 years, the old leaves fall off and new ones grow in their place. But the leaves are considered an integral part of the ripening of the fruit. They contain and accumulate essential nutrients. Up to 15 pcs required. for the ripening of one fruit.

Flowering usually occurs in the spring, but at home, this can occur at any time. The flowers are white or cream.

Lemon ripening takes place very slowly, in the natural environment for at least half a year, at home it can take up to a year, so the bush can have both fruits and new flowers at the same time. The fruit tastes sour with a lot of vitamin C. When ripe, they change color to bright yellow and the fruits must be picked; they do not fall off themselves. A tree can exist and bear fruit for more than 40 years, and up to 60 can be found.

Lemon varieties

A tree up to 2 m high, which constantly bears fruit and is well adapted to home conditions. With proper care and pruning, the first flowers begin to appear in the 4th year. Some flowers are cut off to avoid depletion. 80% of flowering occurs in early to mid-spring, 20% blooms in October. Lemons ripen for almost a whole year, up to 10 months, but are picked after 12 months. Propagation by cuttings brings rapid fruiting.

Wide crown with large fruits. The flowers are collected in an inflorescence and have long petals. It is often necessary to pick some of the flowers for the fruit to ripen safely. The fruits reach 0.5 kg, but in the first 3-4 years, the flowers are completely torn off. Starting from 5 years old, no more than 5-6 pieces are left. The taste is sweet and sour, the pulp contains a large number of seeds. Peel up to 1 cm thick. Grown in small gardens and home greenhouses.

Another name is Chinese lemon, or dwarf lemon, due to its small height of up to 1 m. The taste resembles a mixture of orange and lemon. Leaves with small serrations. It blooms with white flowers of 6 petals. It begins to bear fruit already in the 2nd year, with round fruits and thin skin. Fruits well every year, ripening period is up to 9 months. At high storage temperatures, it tolerates dry air; in winter it is necessary to humidify the room, otherwise the bush will begin to lose leaves.

The height reaches 2 m, in some cases 2.5 m. The leaves are lush, light green. Volumetric crown with a huge number of small thorns. Unlike other varieties, it bears fruit once every 3 years, but an adult tree produces up to 200 fruits, 100 grams each. The lemons themselves are tasty and juicy, with few seeds. But there is a peculiarity: it can only grow fully in large greenhouses.

A heat-loving species that can tolerate low air humidity and thrives on the sunny side. But it is necessary to shade at lunchtime, otherwise burns will appear on the leaves. It bears fruit for 3-4 years and every year more and more. An adult tree can bear up to 120-150 fruits, 150 grams each.

The tree is medium in size and has a lush crown with multiple leaves. The height of lemon reaches 1.5 m and can bear fruit well in small greenhouses or home greenhouses. Resistant to changes in temperature and air humidity.

The tree is of medium size, reaches a height of 1.5-1.8 m. It begins to bear fruit quickly and abundantly, already in the 2nd year of life. Flowering occurs several times a year. Prefers moderate sunlight from the southeast or east. The fruits are very valuable; an adult tree can produce up to 150 pieces.

This is a new variety of lemon with oval leaves that are pointed at the end. Flowers are collected in brushes of 15 pieces. It blooms 2 times a year in early spring and autumn. It quickly begins to bear fruit, already in the 3rd year, but if the tree is small, it is better to pick the flowers. Needs a lot of diffused light.

Lemon care at home

Location: The plant tolerates sunlight quite well, but starting in spring, it is necessary to gradually accustom it to it. During the hot period, especially at lunchtime, it is necessary to shade the indoor lemon. Like most citrus plants, they are extremely sensitive to sudden changes in light and frequent changes in environment; leaves and flowers begin to fall off.

In winter, artificial lighting can be used to extend daylight hours by 10-12 hours. It is better to choose windows facing east or west, where there is no afternoon sun. Shade-tolerant varieties can also grow on the north side.

Exposure to direct sunlight burns the leaves and causes brown spots to appear on the surface. It is necessary to regularly ventilate the room, but indoor lemon is especially afraid of drafts.

Temperature: When it reaches 12-14 degrees, the tree can be taken out into the open. In the spring, the flowering process begins and temperatures above 20 degrees lead to color loss. But in early spring, beware of low temperatures and frost at night. Cover the bush with gauze, or take it indoors. With the onset of autumn and cold weather, when the temperature drops to 10-12 degrees, the tree is taken into the apartment, but it also needs to be accustomed to warmth gradually. Optimal wintering indicators are 14-16 degrees. This mode will ensure optimal ripening of the fruits and protect the leaves.

Humidity: Low humidity is very detrimental to the plant, especially during the heating season, where in addition, the temperature can reach over 22-25 degrees. It is necessary to moisten or spray the leaves with warm, settled or soft water 2-3 times a day, and also place the pot on a tray with moistened expanded clay.

Watering: Starting in spring, the tree needs regular and abundant watering, before the onset of cold weather. In autumn, watering is gradually reduced. All excess water from the pan is poured out, otherwise the fragile roots will begin to rot. In the summer-spring period, the earthen ball should always be wet; with the onset of winter, it is watered only after the top layer has dried. Insufficient watering leads to yellowing of the leaves and their subsequent shedding. Water is used that is soft, rainy, or at room temperature. As a rule, water in the early morning, or after sunset, to avoid large evaporation.

Soil: For lemon, use purchased soil for citrus ornamental plants, or make it yourself: turf and leaf soil, sand, peat. All components are mixed in equal proportions. Good drainage is first made at the bottom of the pot.

Transplantation: Up to 4-5 years, the plant needs annual replanting. Mature trees have a branched, fragile root system, and replanting can have a negative impact on the bush. Only the top layer of soil is replaced annually, and completely replanted every 3-4 years. When transshipping, the roots of the plant are transferred to a new pot along with a lump of earth; I just add the required amount of soil.

A ¼ piece of expanded clay drainage is first placed on the bottom. Planted in a loose substrate that should allow water and air to pass through well. Select pots that are tall, preferably clay ones with a hole in the bottom to allow excess water to escape when watering. Large specimens are planted in wooden tubs made of hardwood.

Reproduction: There are several ways to propagate lemons and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Reproduction can occur: by seeds, cuttings, grafting.

Seeds. When propagated by seeds, lemons produce good, high-quality fruits; the process is less capricious and does not require special care conditions. But one of the significant drawbacks is that only after 6-7 years do the first fruitings begin to appear, and the full-fledged phase begins after 12-15 years. Improper care of the crown with a large number of young shoots further delays the fruiting period. If you graft dormant buds into a shoot from a fruit-bearing tree, after 2-4 years you will see the first fruits of lemons.

Seeds are taken from ripe lemons that are adapted to room conditions. Immediately after ripening, the seeds are sown in the ground from sand and humus, taken in equal quantities, deepening no more than 1 cm. Bowls are taken 7-10 cm in diameter. Until the seeds sprout, keep the temperature at about 25 degrees with regular watering.

After a month, the first shoots will appear, protect them from direct sunlight. 2 times a month, add fertilizer in the form of a 1% solution of saltpeter and a little manure diluted with water. As soon as 3-4 leaves appear, young seedlings dive into separate pots.

Vaccination. This is a method of grafting a bud (eye) onto a young shoot taken from a fruit-bearing bush. Cuttings are taken that are 2-3 years old and placed in damp sand. Those shoots from which cuttings are cut, remove all leaves.

For grafting, seedlings are taken 2-3 years old, grown indoors, previously prepared for the grafting process. The shoots extending to the sides of the seedling where the bud will take root are cut off within 15-20 days, thereby saving internal juices.

The stem is wiped with a damp cloth and made with a sharp knife 5 cm from the ground, a transverse cut of the bark, then a longitudinal cut of 2 cm. It is necessary to cut the top layer (bark) without damaging the shoot itself.

They take one eye from the middle of the cutting, where they are better formed, and insert it into a T-shaped cut. The area is wrapped with electrical tape or a cloth. After 2-3 weeks, the kidney should take root. The electrical tape is unwound and loosened a little. After another 2 weeks, the rootstock is cut 3-5 cm above the graft and the area is covered with oil paint.

The best period for this is mid-spring, when juice production is highest, although in lemons adapted for indoor conditions, the period may be at the end of summer.

Cuttings. Perhaps one of the simplest and most reliable methods not only for lemon, but also for other indoor ornamental fruit-bearing bushes. 3-4 years after cutting, the young shoot will begin to bear fruit.

In mid-summer, cut off the shoot and place it in a container with moistened sand, constantly maintaining the humidity and temperature at 25 degrees. Last year's shoots are cut off, where the thickness does not exceed 4-5 mm. Length is about 10 cm and must have at least 3 buds. The upper and lower cuts are made from the bud 3 cm above and below, respectively.

After placing in sand, cover the top with a glass flask for better rooting. Either sand is used in its pure form or with the addition of earth. The cuttings are regularly sprayed and protected from direct sunlight. After a month, roots should appear, and the upper bud will begin to grow. The temperature is reduced to 18-22 degrees.

There is another method of propagation by taps, but this method is used extremely rarely due to a number of inconveniences. It is carried out from spring to mid-summer.

Fertilizing: Lemon, like any tree, needs fertilizer to ripen the fruit. During the period of active growth, the bush is fed twice a month with organic and mineral fertilizers in liquid form. In winter, fertilizing is reduced by 4 times, or not added at all, while maintaining no higher than 14 degrees. The external condition of indoor lemon will speak for itself.

A lack of nitrogen leads to yellowing of the leaves and a decrease in fruitfulness, the fruit loses its quality and size.
Insufficient nitrogen causes leaves to fall off and the color becomes pale and dull.
Potassium - its lack affects the fruits, the quantity decreases and the size decreases, the folding of the leaves increases.
A decrease in the amount of iron leads to yellowing, and subsequently the falling of leaves, and the upper part of the bush begins to dry out.
Calcium is an essential element for the growth of any plant. Lemon noticeably slows down in growth and ripening, becomes pale and gradually dies.

Complex commercial fertilizers for citrus plants are often used. The consistency is added according to the instructions; excessive amounts are detrimental to the plant.

Organic fertilizers in the form of humus diluted in water are also good. You can add blood from animal meat to water. When washing meat, water is collected and added to the wood.

Pruning: For successful fruiting, it is necessary to trim off excess branches, otherwise the bush will grow chaotically.

The first time, upon reaching 20-30 cm, the top of the young lemon is cut off, thereby giving it fullness. This is done at the end of winter. There should be at least 4-6 buds left, which will produce new side shoots. Of these shoots, only 3-4 are left, evenly spaced in all directions.

After growth, the tops of these shoots are also cut off and 3-5 buds are also left. New shoots of the second level will grow from these buds.

Having reached the 4th level of shoots, the formation of the crown ends and the process of fruiting begins. Then it is constantly necessary to pinch out (pruning) new shoots.

Fruiting also has its own characteristics; for uniform ripening, some flowers are plucked evenly throughout the bush. Abundant flowering depletes the tree, the fruits become small, and in the second year it may not bear fruit.

Pests and diseases: The main pests that damage lemon trees are scale insects, spider mites, and thrips.

Spider mites appear on the underside of leaves. To remove, the leaves are treated with Actellik solution.

The scale insect appears on new shoots and leaves, drinking the sap of the plant. The leaves turn yellow, and with prolonged damage, the bush dies.

Thrips appearing on the leaves slow down the growth of the plant and lead to yellowing.

Most pests can be washed off with a rag and a soapy solution, or a garlic solution.

Difficulties in caring for lemon

Leaves wither and curl into a tube- a lump of earth that is too dry, give the lemon water, increase the humidity of the room, but do not fertilize until the previous shape is restored.
Leaves fall - the soil is too dry or wet, air humidity is less than 50-60%, the temperature regime is disturbed, drafts.
Leaves fall and branches dry out- excessive watering. Wait until the soil dries completely, then resume watering, but less intensely.
The tips of the leaves curl and darken- cause, burns from direct sunlight.
Falling and wilting of leaves- depletion of the tree. One fruit must have at least 12 leaves; all other ovaries are removed.
Yellowing of leaves from the middle to the edge- overheating of the pot (ground) in the sun.
Leaves are rapidly falling off- excessive fertilizer burned the roots. Keep the soil constantly moist, and do not fertilize until the lemon returns to its original appearance.
Leaves change their shape chaotically, curl, wrinkle- the reason is most likely a change of location, or incorrect fertilizer (one component is missing, but another is too much). After adaptation, everything should be restored. Use only commercial citrus plant food. The fertilizer is diluted according to the instructions, but with 2 times less concentration.

Indoor lemon is one of the most spectacular and beautiful ornamental plants. Delighting its owners with bright foliage and fragrant flowers, this citrus fruit, however, belongs to the group of very capricious ones. Care must be carried out correctly. At the slightest violation of technology, the tree will not only not bloom and bear fruit, but may even lose its leaves and die. In order for the plant to develop well and have a lush crown, it should be properly watered and fertilized.

What do you need to know?

Further in the article we will look in detail at how to care for a plant such as indoor lemon at home. Flowering and fruiting of this citrus fruit are possible only if:

choosing the right location;
using suitable soil;
regular watering and fertilizing;
periodic pruning.

Bloom

The main decorative value of lemon is its dense leaves of rich dark green color. The star-shaped white flowers with yellow stamens of this citrus are quite spectacular. However, they grow deep in the crown, in the axils of the leaves, and are practically invisible from the outside. Therefore, lemon cannot be classified as a group of beautifully flowering indoor plants. But although the flowers of this citrus are not its main decoration, they smell very pleasant. Moreover, the aroma spreads literally throughout the room.

The abundant appearance of buds is only possible if a plant such as indoor lemon is properly cared for at home. This citrus fruit most often does not bloom precisely because of a lack of nutrients in the soil and irregular watering. Also, the lack of buds and fruits can be affected by a lack of sunlight.

How to choose a variety?

In the wild, indoor lemon, which is really difficult to care for at home, grows in hot India. This plant has been cultivated as a crop for a very long time, including in Russia. Lemons were brought to our country back in the time of Peter the Great. Over the years of cultivation, many varieties of this citrus fruit have been developed, both productive and unpretentious. But of course, not all varieties are suitable for growing in limited space. The most popular varieties among indoor plant lovers are:

Pavlovsky. Under favorable conditions, such lemons can even reach a height of 2 meters. The advantages of this variety include, first of all, the fact that it reproduces very easily. cultivation and care at home for which the procedures, in comparison with other varieties, are relatively simple, well suited for a not very experienced gardener. Its fruits are very fragrant and fragile. The variety does not like bright sunlight too much.
Meyer. This variety is good for its early fruiting and unpretentiousness. It differs from most other varieties in having more sour fruits. Also, indoor Meyer lemon, cared for at home in much the same way as any other varieties, is compact. This variety grows very short.
Novogruzinsky. This lemon can easily be made to produce year round. Its fruits have no seeds and smell very good.

How to choose a place?

The peculiarities of lemon, among other things, include the fact that it really does not like changes in environment. Therefore, the place for it must be chosen carefully. Most varieties prefer good light. But it does not tolerate direct sunlight.

They put in a lemon, growing and caring for it at home will only be successful if you choose the right place, most often on an eastern window. Bright, but rather diffused morning light is enough for this plant to develop well.

It is also possible to place lemons on a south window. However, in this case, you should definitely take care of shading. Direct sunlight will definitely cause burns to the plant. In addition, the lemon will react to excess lighting by the appearance of a large number of small whitish leaves. Thus, the citrus fruit will simply try to reduce the area of contact with UV rays and lose its effectiveness.

You should also choose a place for the lemon, taking into account that the pot is not cooled by a draft. This is especially true during the cold season. If the temperature of the soil in the pot is lower than the ambient temperature, the plant will shed its leaves.

How to propagate by cuttings?

This is the easiest way to get some new lemons in your home. Cuttings are taken from an adult plant in early spring. The branch should be mature, about 4-5 mm thick. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings. It is best to plant a twig in a greenhouse made from an ordinary plastic bottle.

A 2 liter container is perfect. The top of the bottle is cut off, and several holes are made in its bottom to drain water. Next, a layer of steamed sand is poured onto the bottom. Nutrient soil with an acidity of 6.5-7 pH is placed on top. You can buy lemon substrate in a store or make it yourself. In the latter case take:

leaf soil - 1 tsp;
humus - 1 hour;
turf soil - 2 hours;
sand - 1 tsp.

All components should be thoroughly mixed and placed in a bottle.

The end of the cut cutting is sprinkled with wood ash, powdered with the stimulant heteroauxin and immersed 2-3 cm in the soil. Next, the plant must be thoroughly watered and the bottle covered with plastic wrap. It is not recommended to further moisten the soil in the container until the plant has rooted. The roots of the branches are released in about a month.

When using cuttings as planting material, in the future it will be easiest to care for a citrus fruit such as indoor lemon at home. Reproduction using this technology allows you to quickly obtain a lush, healthy, fruit-bearing adult plant.

Using seeds

Planting material for this method of cultivation should be selected as carefully as possible. You need to get the largest seed from an evenly shaped fruit. It should be planted immediately. In this case, you can use a regular plastic cup with drainage holes made in it as a container. You should pour a little sand on its bottom. In this case, the soil used is the same as for cuttings.

It is best to plant several seeds at once in different cups, and then choose the strongest plant for growing. The seeds are buried 2-3 cm into the soil. Watering is carried out immediately after planting. The selected lemon will need to be transferred to a larger container at the age of 3-5 months. Transshipment should be done as carefully as possible. If the roots of the lemongrass are damaged, it will drop its leaves.

How to water?

Moisture is what indoor lemon loves. Caring for it at home, like all citrus fruits, also includes frequent watering. In summer, the soil under the plant is moistened once or twice a day. In winter, water the lemon once a week. With a lack of moisture, the leaves of this plant change color to yellow-brown.

If this happens, under no circumstances should you pour a large amount of water into the lemon at once. Otherwise, its root system will die. You can improve the situation in this situation by slightly moistening the soil under the plant and spraying it generously. Wrapping the stem in a damp cloth will also help.

How to fertilize?

Lemon should also be fed quite often. In the summer, once a month the plant is watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. It is best to do this at night. It is also useful to water the lemon with a solution once a month. The best organic fertilizer for this citrus fruit is regular cow manure.

You can also purchase a complex fertilizer containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in the store. Lemon is fed with this product twice a month. Wood ash, which contains a huge amount of microelements, is also very useful for this decorative crop.

Caring for lemons at home in terms of fertilizing can also be done using purchased formulations designed specifically for citrus fruits. Sometimes indoor plant lovers also replace the top layer of soil in a pot with lemon with pond sludge, which contains many useful substances. In winter, if the plant bears fruit, it should be fed with complex fertilizer or organic matter once a month.

Crown formation

Periodic pruning is also something that indoor lemons absolutely require. Home care for this plant in terms of crown formation should be periodic. Otherwise, it may happen that the tree will not bear fruit. The first time, pruning is done immediately after the lemon reaches a height of 20-30 cm. At this time, the top is carefully removed so that 3-4 buds remain on the trunk.

After about a year, shoots of the first level are formed from them. After they reach a length of 20-30 cm, they are also pinched. Next, shoots of the second, third, etc. levels will begin to form on the branches. Each new “wave” should be pinched so that it is 5 cm shorter than the previous one. That is, the branches of the second level should have a length of 15-25 cm, the third - 10-20 cm, etc. Of course, it is necessary to remove diseased shoots growing inside the bush, etc.

Pests

Thus, the lemon should be watered and fertilized on time. It is also necessary to start forming its crown. What other difficulties await a gardener who cares for a plant such as an indoor lemon at home? Diseases strike this country, unfortunately, often. Therefore, the lemon may have to be treated from time to time.

Trees of this variety can be affected by both fungi and microorganisms or insect pests. Most often, lovers of indoor flowers have to deal with scale insects, mealybugs and aphids that attack lemons. All these types of pests are engaged in sucking juice from leaves. You can fight them with soapy water or tobacco infusion (50-60 g per liter). Sometimes scale insects, aphids and mites are expelled from plants using a chlorophos solution (30 g per 10 l).

Diseases

Gommosis is also one of the problems faced by many lovers of ornamental plants who grow indoor lemons. Caring for this citrus fruit at home involves, among other things, periodic inspection of the leaves and stem. In a plant affected by gommosis, cracks appear in the lower part of the stem, from which gum begins to ooze. Treat the tree with garden varnish or clay. Cracks are pre-disinfected with a solution of copper sulfate 3%. Then the wounds are simply carefully covered with varnish or clay.

This is how a plant such as indoor lemon is cared for at home. The photos on the page clearly display the beauty of these citrus fruits. If you grow your lemon following the rules described in the article, you will grow the same spectacular fragrant tree with bright green leaves and a lush crown.

An evergreen tree belonging to the genus Citrus, such as lemon(Citrus limon) is a member of the rue family (Rutacea). This tree came to Mediterranean countries at the beginning of the 9th century, where it began to be grown as a cultivated plant. And it was brought from Southeast Asia. In natural conditions, the original type of lemon can no longer be found.

Lemon is grown as both an ornamental and a fruit plant. Since it loves warmth very much, in areas with harsh winters it is grown as a pot plant indoors. With the onset of the warm season, it is recommended to move it outside, and in the fall to bring it indoors again. Many different varieties of this plant are grown indoors, and they all bloom and bear fruit.

In addition to being very beautiful, the lemon tree is also incredibly useful. Thus, the peel of the fruit itself contains a large amount of essential oils, and the pulp contains a large amount of various vitamins. The plant itself is also useful, as it has the ability to maintain a favorable microclimate in the apartment. The fact is that it releases volatile substances (phytoncides), which have the best effect on the emotional state of people living in the house, and also help strengthen their immune system.

In indoor conditions, this plant can reach a height of 150 centimeters. It has a branched, erect stem that becomes woody over time. Young branches are painted a rich green color, but with age they are covered with thin brownish bark. In order to form a beautiful crown, they resort to pruning shoots.

The fragrant green leaves of this plant, the surface of which is glossy and shiny, have an oval-pointed shape. There are varieties that have small spines in the leaf axils.

Lemon flowers can bloom in both warm and cold seasons. However, it blooms more abundantly in spring. Fruits, flowers, as well as unopened buds may be present on the tree at the same time. Small cream or snow-white flowers are collected in small brushes, but most often they are single. In order for the plant to bear fruit, the flowers must be pollinated. Fruit ripening is a rather lengthy process and takes approximately 6 months.

He loves light very much, but it is better if it is diffused. Thus, it is recommended to place the lemon near a window located in the southern part of the room. There it can easily grow all year round except on sunny, hot summer days. In general, in the warm season it is recommended to move such a tree outside. But if this cannot be done, then in the summer on hot days it is necessary to remove the plant deep into the room away from windows.

Citrus fruits are quite capricious when it comes to changes in lighting. So, if the tree is moved from place to place or turned to the window in different directions, this can cause the ovaries and flowers to fall off.

If in winter the lemon is in a cool room where the temperature is between 7–14 degrees, then it falls asleep (plant growth stops). In this case, it does not need additional lighting. But when the plant is warm in winter, it needs to be provided with 10–12 hours of daylight, and additional lighting can help you with this.

When growing lemon, you need to take into account that it does not like sudden temperature changes. For example, if in winter you open a window in the room where the plant is located, this may cause all the foliage to fall off. It is also not recommended to move it to a warm room just before frost. This should be done in advance, while it is still warm enough both day and night. In the case when it gets cold very quickly and there is a threat of freezing, the lemon must first be moved to a cool room (for example, on the veranda), and after several days it must be brought into the house itself.

In spring, when buds form and flowering begins, the tree should be placed in a cool place (from 14 to 18 degrees). If it is warm at this time, then both the ovaries and buds will fall off.

The tree can be moved outside only after the air has warmed up to 12 degrees and the temperature does not fall below this value. The plant needs to gradually get used to sunlight in the fresh air. So, first you should put it in the shade.

With the onset of autumn, lemon must be brought indoors after the air temperature drops to 11 or 12 degrees. A young plant can be taken indoors only at night, and in the daytime it should again be taken outside. It is quite problematic to move an adult plant in a large tub into the fresh air and then into the house every day, so it is brought indoors when it is still quite warm outside. It is recommended to start by placing the lemon on a warm veranda for 1–2 weeks.

In winter, the tree should be placed in a cool place (from 14 to 16 degrees). If in winter it is kept warm, then it should be moistened very often with a sprayer.

Air humidity

Prefers high air humidity. If it is too low, the foliage begins to fall. To increase humidity, you need to regularly spray the lemon or place the pot on a tray filled with small pebbles or expanded clay and a small amount of water. You can also use a humidifier.

Young plants require annual replanting. It is carried out in spring before flowering. Transplantation is carried out carefully, by transshipment. In the event that it was not possible to replant the lemon in time in the spring, this can be done in the autumn. When the plant becomes an adult, replanting will need to be done no more than once every 3 or 4 years, but the top layer of soil must be replaced annually.

The transplant is carried out very carefully. Make sure that the earthen lump does not collapse. The plant is placed in a new pot and the required amount of soil mixture is added. And that’s all, because on the surface of the thin roots of this plant there is a layer of mycorrhiza (special fungi), and they contribute to better absorption of nutrients from the soil. In order for a lemon to grow and develop normally, you should not forget about this feature, and in no case should you shake off or wash its root system. This can only be done if the roots are rotting in order to save the tree.

When choosing a pot for transplanting, you need to take into account that it should be only a few centimeters larger than the previous one. This will help avoid stagnation of liquid in the soil and, as a result, the appearance of rot. You also need to know that lemons do not bloom in spacious pots.

If the plant is quite large, then choose a tub made of plastic or wood, which should have fairly large holes at the bottom. Do not forget about a good drainage layer, which should consist of expanded clay, because this will allow excess liquid to quickly leave the pot.

Earth mixture

For planting, loose, slightly acidic or neutral soil is used. To create a suitable soil mixture, you need to mix humus, turf and deciduous soil, as well as sand and peat in a ratio of 1:2:1:1:1. If you wish, you can buy a ready-made mixture for citrus fruits.

This plant branches heavily, and while it is young, it is recommended to systematically rotate it for uniform crown growth. If the plant has buds or ovaries, then you should not turn it, as this can cause them to fall off. You need to turn it little by little (about 30 degrees) once every few days.

Experts advise forming the crown in the form of a tree with a low trunk (about 20 centimeters before branching). The trunk should be cut with pruning shears, this will provoke the appearance of lateral buds. After a year, it will be necessary to shorten the side branches and, if necessary, the lower ones as well. The branches on which the ovaries form practically do not grow and often dry out, so when picking the fruit, they need to be cut into 2 or 3 leaves.

Pollination

In order for a lemon to bear fruit, the flowers must be pollinated by hand. For this you will need a small brush. You need to take pollen from some flowers and move them to others.

The ripening time of the fruit depends on which variety is grown. However, it is worth considering that this process is quite lengthy. At home, this can take from 7 to 9 months. Protect the plant from temperature fluctuations, and it is also prohibited to rotate it at this time. The leaves, which easily absorb carbon dioxide from the air, are also a kind of “warehouse” of nutrients. In order for just 1 fruit to set and develop normally, it is necessary that the lemon has 12 to 15 healthy leaves.

For propagation, cuttings from varietal lemons are used. Lemon can also be propagated by grafting onto seedlings of various citrus fruits.

Seeds for planting can be taken from ripe purchased lemon. The seedlings germinate quite well and grow actively, and also adapt well to new living conditions. But at the same time, they do not inherit the characteristics of the mother plant, which means that such trees will not bear fruit. It is recommended to graft a cutting from a fruiting lemon onto such a seedling.

It is easier to grow such a plant from cuttings, which you can take from friends or purchase online.

The length of the cutting should be from 8 to 12 centimeters. Each of them should have 3–5 buds. At the top, the cut is made half a centimeter above the bud, and at the bottom - directly below it. The cut should be made at an angle of 45 degrees. The leaf located at the bottom must be removed, and the rest shortened by ½ part.

Before planting in coarse sand or sand mixed with soil in a 1:1 ratio, the cutting must be treated with a root growth stimulator (for example, heteroauxin). And also treat the lower cut with crushed charcoal. Planting is done to a depth of 10–15 millimeters at an angle of 90 degrees. Place in a warm place (at least 18 degrees) and systematically spray. Rooting will occur in a few weeks.