Fertilize lemon tree regularly

Fertilize lemon tree regularly

Most of all, lemons need nitrogen

Nitrogen is primarily responsible for the strong green leaf color, which is why a nitrogen deficiency quickly shows itself in a fading green leaf. Phosphorus, on the other hand, is particularly important for the healthy growth of the plant, and lemons also need a lot of potassium. For this reason, you should use a complete fertilizer that provides the three nutrients mentioned in a ratio of 3: 1: 2. You can use commercially available complete fertilizers with the correct mixing ratio, but you can't go wrong with a special citrus fertilizer.

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The right fertilization interval

Lemons should be fertilized about every two to three weeks from the beginning of budding in spring - usually from March - until the end of the vegetation period in September. The easiest way to do this is with a liquid fertilizer that is added to the lime-free irrigation water. In this way, the fertilizer reaches the roots faster and can be more easily absorbed by the plant. But it is also possible to use a long-term fertilizer that releases its nutrients depending on moisture and temperature. You simply work this fertilizer into the surface of the earth.

Lemons need lime-free irrigation water

Make sure to water your lemon tree with rainwater or stale water whenever possible. The lime in tap water can clog the plant's pathways, so that only a few nutrients can pass through and the tree takes care of itself as a result. If the water is stale, you should not pour out the water at the bottom of the watering container, because it is where the lime that has settled is located.

Fertilization is not necessary in winter

In the winter period, on the other hand, you do not need to water your lemon tree, as long as you overwinter it - as recommended - in a cool, but light-colored environment. At temperatures up to around 12 ° C, the roots cease their activities as far as possible and can therefore not absorb any nutrients at all. The only thing you shouldn't forget is watering - depending on the temperature and brightness, an interval between two and four weeks should be sufficient.

Replace the substrate regularly

For an optimal supply of nutrients, it is also important that you repot your lemon regularly. This measure also ensures that the substrate does not harden. The roots need loose soil so that they do not suffocate and also prevent waterlogging. Young plants should be repotted once a year, older ones about every two to three years.

Tips & Tricks

Lemon trees kept in the room in particular benefit from regularly spraying leaves and shoots all around. You can also add liquid fertilizer to this water.