Q.My lemon plant is continually growing but the leaves are droopy. Is there something wrong with it? If so, how can I help it stay h
ealthy? I live in Vancouver, Canada so perhaps not the most ideal location for indoor citrus plants. It’s very sentimental to me so I’m determined to help it thrive!
Thanks for your help!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It shouldn't need to be staked. This will indicate that it doesn't have quite enough light. This will usually be the case indoors. There are several things that you will need to do here.
The first thing will be to cut it back to whatever height that you want, as long as you don't go below the graft point, if this is a grafted tree. This point will usually be within half a foot of the ground.
Once you cut it back you will need to give it a light feeding with citrus fertilizer, or you can make an attempt at crafting your own citrus fertilizer, which can be a little tricky.
Apply a handful of DOLOMITIC LIME, and a teaspoon of WETTABLE SULFUR to the soil and scatter it in with the first inch of soil. This will condition the soil, treat any infections in the soil, and keep the pH balanced.
Now the most important thing that will keep you from having this issue again... LIGHT!!! Lots of it.
LED's, as long as they aren't a cheap brand, are wonderful. Unfortunately, cheap LED's are a waste of money. If you go this route, it will not be cheap.
You will need about 200 watts of LED that include infrared and ultraviolet to keep a single tree happy.
Metal Halide/High Pressure Sodium will require about 200 watts per tree as well. This option is cheap, but will not last near as long as an LED panel will.
The best budget option that is, also still, a step above MH/HPS systems. The Ceramic Metal Halide system comes in 315 watt systems, or 630 watt systems. a 315 will suffice for a citrus. They are full spectrum, and run relatively cool.
This article will give you more information about growing citrus indoors: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/growing-citrus-trees-indoors.htm
