Does My Indoor Lemon Tree Have A Sucker? And Is It In The Right Size Pot?

Question

I read about lemon tree suckers on this site and am wondering if I have one on my indoor lemon tree? I’m also wondering if it’s time to transfer my lemon tree to a larger pot or if I should plant it deeper. The stem has grown quite tall but it seems a bit flimsy, especially when a gust of wind comes through the window. Any advice is much appreciated! Thanks!

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Answer 1

Given the size of the tree, I would say that the pot is WAY too large. They will want their root ball to be cramped up to be healthy. A tree that size can reside in an 8 inch container for a couple of years without getting rootbound.

Generally, you will want to pot up to a container that is only an inch or two larger on all sides when moving up.

I am, also, seeing signs of overwatering and infection. Make sure that you take it out of that pail when watering, so that all extra water can leave the container. This is especially important if there is soil that has not had a chance to be colonized fully by roots yet.

Make sure to only water once the soil dries out to about halfway down the container, completely.

You may need to invest in a horticultural light fixture, as well. It seems to want to shoot up quite tall, which is not typical in container. This will signify that it could use some more light.

Going forward, you will need to treat the soil with a fungicide. Keep DOLOMITIC LIME and IRON SULFATE around at all times. Apply this once or twice per year. This will help keep infection to a minimum, as well.

Apply a citrus specific fertilizer at least once per month, or once every other month.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/growing-lemon-trees-containers.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/repotting-lemon-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/tip-on-water-requirements-for-citrus-trees.htm

And last, yes. Remove those suckers from the bottom. They will do more harm than good.