Meyer lemon brown tips ontree leaves

Question

Hello,

I have a Meyer lemon tree that has been living inside my house for about a month. It’s in a pot and lost a ton of leaves when it first came inside, but has held strong onto a few since then.

Now however, the tree is starting to get brown leaves. It looks like it’s happening all over the tree, but is only happening on the tips. Several other leaves are starting to get crinkly and look like they’re about to fall off.

I’ve read that this could be a couple of other things, such as maybe not humid enough or too much light, but seeing as it’s winter time it’s getting light less than it previously did.

I’ve watered this tree only twice, deep waterings each time and the soil is good draining soil.

Answer 1

This is the nature of a citrus indoors. The decreased light and humidity will cause leaf loss, and therefor no energy to produce fruit. In order to produce, and remain healthy, you will need 200 watts of horticultural lighting per tree. This will keep the leaves on them, as well as ensure that they will, one day, produce fruit.

As far as watering habits… They will almost halt all water use (they still use a small amount) until the leaves return. Overwatering during this time will increase the likelyhood of infection from soil contaminates.

Just make sure that the soil is almost completely dry before giving some water and letting all extra drain completely out of container. Once the leaves return, it will take on a more “normal” watering habit.