Lemon how to care at home. Lemon Tree

Lemon grows well and develops at a room temperature of 18 ... 20 ° C.

At a temperature of 15 ... 17 ° C the best way buds develop and the percentage of fruit set increases, and at 19 ... 25 ° C fruits grow and ripen better. At rest, that is, in the autumn-winter period (from November to February), it is desirable that the air temperature be reduced by 4 ... 5 ° C. It would be even better if it was possible to maintain the temperature around 8 ° C.

The optimum humidity for lemon is 60-70%. Practically in a room with an air temperature of 18 ... 20 ° C, it is maintained at this level.

Watering

Lemon is best watered with rain or snow water. If this is not possible, it is poured with tap water, which is preliminarily defended for at least a day in a bowl with a wide neck. Do not pour boiled water over lemon.

In summer, plants are watered more often and more abundantly than in winter. Better to do this in the evening. So during the night the plant will better make up for the water deficit formed during the day. Water is served in small portions, waiting for each of them to be absorbed. Watering continues until the first drops appear at the bottom of the pan, otherwise all the water will go into the pan, washing out the nutrients from the soil that are so necessary for the normal growth of the lemon. The soil is periodically given the opportunity to dry out, since with excessive watering, the plant can get sick. During budding and flowering, you should especially carefully and abundantly water the lemon.

There are signs indicating the need for permanent watering of the plant. They are as follows:

• folding of young leaves "into a boat";
• drooping of non-lignified shoots;
• changing the dark color of the soil to gray;
• the earth does not absorb water at all, lags behind the walls of the pot, and when watering, water, running along the walls, instantly finds itself in the pan.

So that the earth does not lag behind the walls of the container, three hours after watering, the soil is loosened (at the walls to a depth of 1.5 cm) with a wooden stick, and before the next watering it is compacted along the walls of the pot and the stem of the plant is spud. These measures contribute to a more uniform moistening of the earth clod and protect the plant from the aggressive action of fertilizing solutions. Loosening also facilitates the access of air to the roots of the plant, which contributes to their better development and general condition.

Often after watering, especially with tap water, upper layer the ground is covered with mildew or whitish bloom. Therefore, it is advisable to replace the 1-1.5 cm thick soil layer with fresh soil once a month. Its composition is the same as when landing. Such a change will provide additional plant nutrition.

Lemon reacts positively to leaf washing. It is advisable to repeat this procedure at least twice a month. From the upper side, the leaves are washed with a soft cloth or cotton swab, and from the lower side, they are sprayed. It is also advisable to take out the lemon in the rain. Only 8-10-year-old plants with a large blooming and large volume of soil cannot stand.

It has a good effect on the growth and development of the plant; washing the walls of the ceramic pot once a month warm water(40 ... 45 ° С), which helps to cleanse the pores of the pot and free air access to the roots.

At the end of spring, the plants are set aside from the window by 50-100 cm, and after the danger of damage to the lemon by late spring frosts, take him out to the balcony or outside. In the first case, the pots are installed in oblong wooden boxes, fill the free space between the pots with sand and cover it with moss or peat; in the second, they drop it on a "warm pillow" in the shade of trees. On the street, it is advisable to protect the lemon from snails, larvae and worms using a nylon stocking, which is pulled from below on the vessel, and from pests (aphids, ticks, etc.) it is often sprayed with various preparations.

1-2 weeks before the early autumn frosts, plants begin to accustom them to indoor conditions. Within 5-7 days they are sprayed and brought into the room at night, and during the day they are again taken out into the street.

In winter, lemon is placed in cool place... It overwinters without any harm for itself even with strong shading at an air temperature of 3 ... 5 ° C. With diffused lighting, the optimal temperature for wintering a lemon is 8 ° C. It should be remembered that during a cold winter, the plant blooms in spring and ends flowering only in autumn.

Lemon can also be grown on the balcony if specially equipped. To do this, bindings with double glasses and two transoms are installed, then all the holes are carefully sealed (the lemon is afraid of drafts). To insulate the balcony, they lay on the floor, and on the walls (with the exception of the wall separating the room and the balcony) and on the ceiling, 10-15 cm thick foam plastic is glued.In addition, linoleum is laid on the floor, and the walls are pasted over light wallpaper... In the immediate vicinity of the crown of the plant, fluorescent lamps equipped with a time relay are attached. After sunset, lamps should be connected for additional lighting for 2-4 hours. In late autumn, an oil radiator with a thermostat is installed on the balcony, which connects the heater at an ambient temperature of 5 ° C.

However, in most cases the lemon hibernates on the windowsills, where the air is always cool and fresh (the air temperature is 3 ... 5 ° C lower than in the room). It should be borne in mind that the lemon is afraid of both drafts from under the frames, and excessively dry air rising from a hot battery. To protect against unwanted influences in the fall, it is necessary to isolate the plant. plastic wrap both from the draft and from the overheated air of the battery and fence the window with a white curtain from the room, which will increase the illumination of the crown, protect it from direct contact with the dry air of the room.

In addition to this, periodically (once every two days) the plants are sprayed with warm water (25 ... 28 ° C) and every night the room is ventilated by opening the window for 2-3 hours.

In winter, plants are sprayed 1-2 times a week. The water temperature should be 2 ... 3 ° C higher than the air temperature in the room. Plants are watered every two to three days and so that the earthy lump does not dry out.

At the end of February, the plant is often sprayed with warm water to prevent leaves from falling off.

Experienced citrus growers, in order to accelerate the onset of growth and flowering of lemon, after wintering, in March, warm the ground with the plant. For this, boiling water is poured into the basin with a layer of 5-6 cm and a pot of lemon is placed in it for 20-30 minutes. Hot water, as it were, steam the earth along with the roots. A few days after the procedure, the buds swell, that is, the plant wakes up and starts to grow.

Light mode

In winter, it is useful to supplement lemons, bringing the duration of daylight hours to 10 hours. For additional lighting, lamps are used (preferably white fluorescent ones). Lemon feels good at 5000 lux illumination (the light intensity is measured in lux). It can be measured with a photoexposure meter. Thus, the illumination of the crown of 7 thousand lux is achieved when the plant is placed at a distance of 7 cm from the fluorescent tubes, 6 thousand lux at 15 cm and 3 thousand lux at 50 cm. To increase the illumination, it is desirable to have a reflector (reflector - sheet metal covered with special lighting enamel, which is attached between or near the fluorescent tubes).

With a lack of light, lemon needs enhanced nutrition. It is fertilized with mineral solutions once a month, alternating the introduction of nitrogen, potash (possibly their joint application) and phosphorus fertilizers.

Transfer and transfer

Transshipment- this is the transfer of a plant with an undisturbed clod of earth from a pot, which has become cramped for normal root growth, to another - a larger volume.

At transplant the plant is moved to another container with a bare root system. Transplanting is an undesirable procedure for a lemon, since its root system does not have root hairs. But it is carried out with bad (heavy) soil or when an old plant is rejuvenated when it is at rest.

The diameter of the container for transshipment or transplantation of lemon, depending on its age

Plant age	Pot diameter, cm
Up to 3 months	6-10
3 to 6 months	10-14
1-1.5 years	13-17
1.5-2 months	16-20
2-3 months	19-23

The transshipment time is determined by the condition of the plant: the appearance of roots on the soil surface or from the drainage hole and the depressed state of the plant are clear signs of the need for urgent transshipment.

To form a strong tree with a well-developed crown, young plants are reloaded up to 2-3 times a year. Adult plants (over five years old) are reloaded every 3-4 years, but in this case, the reloading is replaced by an annual change of the topsoil.

For transshipment, a container is selected in advance. Its size is increased gradually. The diameter of each new pot should be 2-4 cm larger than the previous one, and the tubs by 6-8 cm. Moreover, the height of the container should be 3-5 cm larger than its width. In such conditions, the plant develops better and can remain without transplant longer.

A crock is placed in a vessel, then a drainage, on it is dormant tea with iron filings, and next to it on a sheet of paper is a well-boiled and cooled soil mixture.

Before removing the plant from the vessel, remove the top layer of soil, water the lump of earth well and tap the vessel on all sides with a wooden hammer or stick. Then, passing the trunk of the lemon between the index and middle fingers, turn the pot over onto the palm and, knocking the edge of the vessel against the edge of the table, carefully remove the plant. If the pot does not come off, then it is necessary to press with a wooden stick through the drainage hole on the shard and once again try to remove the plant from the vessel. If this succeeded, then a shard, drainage and a small layer of earth are removed from the clod of earth. Then the root system is carefully examined and, if black or brown (rotten or decaying) roots are found, they are cut with a razor to a milky white cross-section.

After that, the plant with a lump of earth is placed in a more spacious vessel and so that it is equidistant from the walls of the pot and is 2 cm below the edge of the pot, and then sprinkle it with soil and compact it with a finger or a wooden stick (depending on the gap between the lump of earth and the walls of the pot and the depth of the vessel), tapping from time to time with the bottom of the vessel on the edge of the table (air voids in the soil have an extremely negative effect on the growth and development of the lemon). After transplanting, the plant is thoroughly watered so as to evenly moisten the entire clod of earth. Watering is stopped when the first drops appear on the pallet. Then the pits are filled in and the top layer of soil is removed so that it becomes 0.3-1 cm below the edge of the vessel. The plant is placed in the same place with the same orientation of the leaves towards the light.

If a lump of earth fell apart during transplantation, despite all efforts to keep it intact, then, after shaking off the roots from the soil or washing them, the plant is placed in a pre-prepared pot and, having well spread the roots on a mound of soil, fill them with a soil mixture diluted with water to a state thick kefir. After the water drains from the pot, the plant is corrected, the soil is poured into the pot and, after sprinkling the leaves, they cover it with a film. The leaves are sprayed daily, while avoiding excessive waterlogging of the soil. Airing starts after 2 weeks.

Transhipment can be carried out throughout the summer, but the transplant, as already mentioned, is only at rest. The best transplant date is February-March. It is done as follows: for an adult tree more than 2 m high, the trunk is tied with a rag at the root collar, and a loop of rope is put over this bandage. A strong stick is inserted into this loop and, using it as a lever, the whole plant with the vessel is lifted up. In this position, the end of the lever is fixed. Then the old dishes are removed or disassembled. The plant is rejuvenated by pruning both the roots and branches (this measure will prevent the discharge of leaves), a new vessel is brought under the clod of earth with drainage poured into the bottom and the plant is slowly lowered into it. Then the soil is poured and compacted around a clod of earth. The tree is well watered, and after the water has been absorbed, pits are poured and a little earth is poured on top.

Old lemons (over 8 years old) also rejuvenate: young shoots are removed, and old ones are cut (by 1 / 2-2 / 3 of their length). After that, the plant is removed from the vessel in the manner described above, the roots are shortened and transplanted into a smaller vessel with rich soil.

Molding

The plant can be shaped in a variety of ways. The choice depends on many factors, but above all on the future location of the lemon. So, when placing it on a window, regardless of the shape, all branches are fanned along the glass.

The simplest of the forms are bush and standard (the height of the trunk in the first case is 5-15 cm, in the second - 40 or more). Shrub is easy to form from a rooted cuttings. The advantage of this form is in earlier fruiting, and the disadvantage is that the plant needs more space. Lemon with standard form the crown decorates the room, but the fruits from it should be expected 2-4 years later than from the bush.

A cuttings with three or more eyes "wake up" at least two buds. Leave, depending on the chosen form, one with a standard and no more than three multidirectional shoots with a bush, and the rest are immediately pinched. Moreover, if two shoots appear from the bud, the weak one is also immediately pinched.

Pinching is a positive element of plant crown care. Removing the growth point above the third and fifth leaves accelerates the ripening of both the shoot and the leaves and promotes economical use of nutrients. After the shoot and leaves ripen, the top leaf with the stem is removed (decaptation is done). This technique causes the awakening of not one so-called continuation shoot, but 2-3 shoots, which contributes to the formation of a compact, well-leafy crown.

So, using the method of IM Yakhovsky "5-3-5-3" (leaving five leaves on the shoot, then three on the continuation shoot, etc.), you can expect the flowering of the rooted lemon by the end of the second year of life. In our practice, having slightly modified this method - "6-4-6-4" (leaving six leaves on the shoot, then four) - with the removal of the upper, ripe leaf, we found the appearance of buds on the rooted plant at the beginning of the second year of life.

Experience has also shown that the use of garden varnish when covering the cut after decaptation leads to cracking of the bark. Obviously, this is due to the active influx of plastic substances to the distant growth point, which contributes to the thickening of the stem, and this, in turn, causes cracking of the bark. Using wood ash it doesn't. When covering up the wounds on the stem, the action of the var is effective.

Bookmark a large number generative buds are observed on horizontally located branches of the 4th and higher orders. In order to give the desired location to the shoot, you can use paper clips, elastic bands and clothespins to bend or tighten branches until lignification. Competitively growing shoots, thickening the crown, and "fatty" ones also bend down.

Flowering and fruiting

It takes 40-50 days from the time of bud formation to its blooming. Mass flowering lasts 10-12 days.

In order to save nutrients, the buds sitting next to them should be thinned out. Leave those that are located closer to the base and in which the ovary is better developed (large buds resembling an egg in shape). If, nevertheless, it is difficult to choose the desired bud, then they are left on the plant until blooming. After that, remove flowers without a pistil and with a short stigma at the pistil. When single buds appear in winter, from November to February, 1-3 buds are left on the plant for aroma, and the rest are removed.

Lemon is a self-pollinating plant, so it can be manually pollinated by transferring pollen from flower to flower. To do this, a cotton swab is wound around a match and gently touched with it to the stamens and stigmas of each flower.

Ovaries, up to 1 cm in diameter, are also thinned out, leaving those that are closer to the base and sit on shorter branches (the fruit grows more slowly on a long branch). Ultimately, in the first year of fruiting, 1-3 fruits are left on the plant, in the second - 3-8, in the third - 10-15, the fourth - 15-25, etc.

The fruit of a lemon is considered ripe when it has a juicy pulp and reaches a certain size (appropriate for the variety). However, it can be green. Green lemons, as noted, contain more vitamin C and are therefore preferred. If you put such fruits in a glass jar, add 2-3 ripe apples there and seal it tightly, then after 5-7 days the lemons will turn yellow. The fruit should be removed with a sharp pruner along with the fruit.

Caring for the crown of a fruiting tree

After the lemon enters fruiting annually in the spring, before the plant begins to grow, the branches are pruned. In this case, they are cut into a ring:

• fruiting small twigs with shrinking ends (they are usually leafless);
• diseased, dry, broken shoots and branches thickening the crown;
• "Fatty" shoots that cannot be used to form the crown by cutting and bending.

All extra shoots that appear on the trunk, uterine branches (branches of the first order) and vegetative shoots of the crown in the directions where they will interfere with each other in the future are plucked out.

In addition to pruning, the crown is improved annually. At the same time, strongly growing shoots are pinched, and after

When ripe, they are pruned by 15-20 cm. As a result, a panicle of new shoots is formed on them, of which 2-3 well-developed multidirectional shoots are left, and the rest are plucked out. If the plant blooms profusely and bears fruit without forming a vegetative growth, then during budding each 2-3rd shoot is cut to 2/3 of the length. Short cut leads to the emergence of new shoots (replacement shoots), which will yield next year.

Leaves falling off the lemon under good conditions of life support, it is observed only after 2 years with physiological aging, but if the leaves begin to fall off earlier than this period, then the cause must be found out.

This could be due to:

• with strongly acidic or alkaline soil (methods for determining its pH and methods for giving it a slightly acidic reaction are described earlier);
• with any sharp, contrasting changes in external conditions: transferring the plant from the Shadow to the sun and from the room to the street (it is necessary to gradually accustom the plant to new living conditions, while the leaves are often sprayed);
• with insufficient lighting plants in autumn and winter, which is especially detrimental in combination with hot and dry air in the room (they carry out additional lighting, spraying and airing, and also isolate it from the room with a white curtain);
• with physiological drought - excessive cooling of the pot on the windowsill with poor pasting of the window and a dry, hot air stream rising from the battery (carefully paste over the window and isolate the plant);
• with poisoning carbon monoxide(you cannot place a plant in a kitchen with a gas stove);
• with overdrying of the soil or its constant waterlogging (in the first case, the top layer of the soil is loosened after watering, and before watering, it is compacted along the walls of the vessel, which contributes to uniform moistening of the entire clod of earth; in the second, the soil is periodically allowed to dry out).

With constant waterlogging (flooding) of the soil, its "acidification" is possible. The external manifestation of this phenomenon is a change in the color of the leaves (their edges and tips become brownish-brown), and when a lump of earth is removed, brown and even black roots are visible, instead of light yellow and white. The only way to save the plant in this case is to wash the root system and remove the brown roots, up to light yellow ones, with a razor. After that, a vessel of the appropriate size is selected and the plant is planted again, sprayed, covered with a plastic bag, etc. Filling can also occur with an Incorrect drainage device or with a soil that is too heavy in texture (clay). In the first case, water stagnates for a long time on the soil surface. To fix this, you need to lift the shard with a stick through the drainage hole, after which the water quickly runs into the pan. In the second case, the plant is urgently transplanted into another soil and looked after accordingly;

• with a lack or excess of batteries;
• with a strong infection with diseases and (or) infestation by pests;
• with a burn with pesticides (it is necessary to strictly adhere to the recommended doses of the drug, while it is important to first test its effect on 2-3 lemon leaves, and after 2-3 days, if there are no signs of damage, treat the whole plant);
• with an unsuccessful stock (for example, if a distant relative of lemon, trifoliate, which sheds its leaves in winter, is used in this capacity, so you need to be careful when buying grafted plants).

It is better not to wait for the lemon to drop all the foliage, but to take all possible measures to stop this process. But if in the spring summer period the lemon still completely threw off the foliage and this is not due to the need to transplant it, then the plant is moved to partial shade and, having sprinkled the leaves with water, is covered with polyethylene. Spraying is repeated daily and poured with a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate 2 times a week. At the same time, it is important to prevent excessive waterlogging of the soil.

When foliage is dropped in the autumn-winter period, the plant is transferred to a dark room, where the air temperature does not exceed 12 ° C and the air humidity is not higher than in the living room. The soil is kept moist. In February, the vessel is immersed (1/3) in a basin with hot water(50 ° С), replacing the cooled water during the day. At night, the lemon is brought into the room. The next day, the vessel is heated again. On the third day, it is installed by the window, while arranging the bottom heating (20 ... 25 ° C). After 2-3 days, the soil is watered (until full saturation) with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, and the trunk of the plant (at a height of 15-20 cm) is bandaged with a clean cloth soaked in warm water. The cloth is kept wet until the young leaves appear. After that, the bandage is removed and heating is stopped.

Lemon fruit can be on the plant for up to two years. Ripening in 8-12 months and without being plucked, it turns green, and by the end of the second year it turns yellow again. At the same time, the lemon increases in volume due to the thickening of the rind.

Falling fruitlets (ovary) may be related:

• with a lack of nutrients (more often top dressing is done with a solution of slurry, and in addition, the number of leaves "feeding" the fruit is counted, and if there are less than 10, then the excess ovary is immediately removed. plant.
• with a high temperature during flowering (more than 16 ... 18 ° С) and during the growth of fruits (more than 18 ... 22 ° С) (the plant is isolated and the room is more often ventilated). It is useful to moisten the stalk of the fruit with warm water once a day with a cotton swab.
• with a high degree of plant pest infestation.

Plant lovers grow citrus fruits even on the windowsill. What factors do you look for to see bloom and enjoy exotic fruits?

You can grow a beautiful tree that will delight you with fragrant fruits at home. But this plant has a whimsical character, it requires attention not only to watering, but also to the temperature regime of the room where it is located. Mandatory element care is feeding, which is performed in accordance with certain rules. Air humidity, lighting, timely transplantation are also important. If all the elements of care are performed regularly and efficiently, then the plant will bear fruit and delight with ovaries.

Factors That Affect Lemon Growth

Lemon, which is grown on your windowsill, may be slightly different from those sold in the markets. This is due to the fact that indoor varieties are chosen for home breeding. Small lemons, which have a very thin skin, are especially appreciated. In addition, they look very bright and beautiful on the window. Larger fruits will have a dense and thick skin, and they will look no less exotic.

The difficulty of caring for this fruiting tree is that it is accustomed to the climate of the subtropics where it comes from. This means that its comfortable air temperature should not be more than 17-18 degrees. In an apartment in winter, due to heating, this figure is higher. The presence of batteries also affects humidity. It gets below 70%. And the compliance of the indicators characterizing the air with the standards is very necessary for the tree to grow.

No less important for the growth of lemons and the degree of illumination of the room. The correct place for the tree in the room is chosen taking into account the fact that it does not like direct sunlight. The most ideal location will have good degree lighting throughout the day, but this light will be diffused.

The utensils for the tree also matter. To enter the phase of active growth and the formation of ovaries of future fruits, it should be placed in a tighter pot. If the root system is too spacious, then the flowering phase will be postponed indefinitely. Ideal for planting a plant will be dishes made of natural materials... These are clay products or boxes made of wood.

Land for growth does not really matter. But it must correspond to the qualities of air and water permeability. The soil mix may contain peat and sand. Fertility will add humus. The soil should be loosened.

Moisture has a direct effect on growth. Therefore, abundant watering in spring and summer, when the ambient temperature tends to rise. In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced. Older trees require more moisture. It is advisable that watering is carried out with prepared water. Pre-filled in a container and standing will do. You can also use thawed water, although most perfect option- rain.

In order for the lemon tree to bear fruit, it is fed. Any organic or mineral species fertilizers. The frequency of this procedure should not be too intense. The optimal time interval is 20 days.

Lemon care at different times of the year

To grow a lemon, home care of the plant must take into account some differences depending on the season. In the spring season, it begins a phase of active growth, and then forms buds, which will subsequently become fragrant fruits. The temperature regime should be in the range of 14-18 degrees. An excessively warm room will lead to dropping of buds and ovaries. And such an event can provoke the death of the entire tree.

Fresh air is good for the natural growth of lemon. From the moment the air temperature outside the window stabilizes at 13-14 degrees, the plant can be placed on a balcony or terrace for the entire warm period. However, they monitor possible temperature changes due to possible frost still and its decrease by night. To avoid the death of the plant, they wrap it up.

In summer, exposure to sunlight is a danger to the lemon tree. Therefore, this situation is carefully controlled to avoid burns.

Winter time for lemon is characterized by the stage of final ripening of the fruit. Optimal conditions for this period include a moderate temperature regime (16-18 degrees). Be sure to maintain optimal humidity (about 70%). One more important condition good condition of the tree in winter is the exclusion of air flows that come from heating sources. The lemon pot is removed away from heaters and batteries. It is also provided with a light source for at least 12 hours.

Lemon Tree in leaving it is rather moody. Too high temperatures are not suitable for him, as well as too low. Watering should be moderate, but very dry soil should be avoided. The plant does not like direct sunlight, but requires prolonged exposure to scattered light during the day. Without taking into account and fulfilling all these conditions, it is impossible to achieve the appearance of ovaries, which will subsequently delight you with fragrant fruits. Timely watering and top dressing, correct soil is also of great importance.

Mistakes when growing lemon on video

You bought a young lemon tree in hope all year round get harvests of fragrant fruits for tea drinking and strengthening the immune system.

And it really will give a lot of fruit if you know how to care for a lemon: water, feed, transplant, etc. We will learn all the intricacies of caring for home-grown lemon trees, including crown formation and fruit picking.

Room lemon: home care

Lemon care consists in regular watering, sufficient lighting, feeding, adherence to temperature and humidity. It is equally important to know how to transplant your homemade lemon.

Having decided to grow a lemon - a tree at home, check out the intricacies of care:

Watering lemon

How to water a lemon? In the cold season, starting in October, and until spring, water the tree moderately once a week using warm water. In the spring and summer months, as well as in September, we spill the soil well with warm water once a day. Periodically we loosen the top layer of the earth.

The main thing in watering a lemon is to prevent stagnation of water in the soil, leading to decay of the roots, and not to dry out the earthen ball: this is fraught with twisting of the leaf and falling leaves and lemons.

Lighting for lemon

How to care for homemade lemon in terms of lighting? Lemon doesn't need long daylight hours if you want more fruit than leaves. The tree bears fruit well in bright diffused light: it is better to keep it on windows facing east. If the window is south, in summer we must protect the plant from direct sunlight.

To make the crown grow evenly, turn the lemon tree in the direction of the sun 2 times a month. And we do not allow low light: in partial shade and shade, the leaf grows slowly, and the fruits are too sour.

Temperature regime

Homemade lemon care involves maintaining a certain air temperature.

• While the lemon grows and gains green mass, or blooms, we keep it in a room where the temperature is 17-20 degrees Celsius.
• When the fruits appear and ripen, a temperature is needed a couple of degrees higher.
• In winter, during the dormant period, a temperature of no higher than 14 degrees is required, or 18 ° C, if the plant is not yet "sleeping" - in this case, we provide it with 12-hour daylight hours using phytolamps.

Do not keep lemon in a hot room and avoid sudden temperature changes.

In the summertime, you can take the tree outside - the main thing is to have time to bring it home before evening (if cool weather is expected).

Room lemon: home care

Moisture level for lemon

We figured out how to water a lemon: we will find out what level of air humidity is suitable for growing it. He needs a fairly high humidity, especially in the hot season - in summer or during the heating season.

When it's hot, we spray the tree every day and once a week we give it a warm shower.

To increase the level of humidity, we put a jar with a wide mouth filled with water near the lemon pot so that it evaporates, or we put the pot in a tray, placing the material evaporating moisture into it.

The third option: turn on a household humidifier next to the plant.

Top dressing lemon

Indoor lemon needs regular feeding: in the summer - every week, in the winter - every month (if there are fruits).

How to feed a lemon? With mineral and organic fertilizers, water the plant 2 hours before the procedure so as not to burn the roots.

• Fertilization with minerals... For feeding, you will need a ready-made product such as a "citrus mixture", in which the proportions N: P: K are 14:16:18. We dilute it in water according to the attached instructions and water the soil.
• Organic fertilization... We make an infusion by mixing 1 part of water and 1 part of mullein (horse manure) and, after waiting 7 days, dilute it with water: infusion of mullein - 1 to 15, infusion of horse balls - 1 to 10.

Twice a year we water the soil with a weak solution of potassium permanganate - to enrich and disinfect the soil.

Lemon transplant

Young lemon plants in a pot, how to care for which, we will learn today, need replanting 1 and 2 years after planting.

In the spring we buy soil for citrus fruits or make it ourselves from humus (1 part), earth from under deciduous trees(4 parts), calcined sand (1 part) and wood ash (1 tablespoon).

We simply transfer the plant, gently shaking off some of the old soil, into another pot of soil. The diameter of the new pot should be 4 cm larger than the diameter of the previous one.

Subsequently, we transplant the plant every two years, when the growing season begins. When transplanting, do not forget to put drainage (expanded clay + charcoal or a layer of sand) with a layer of 2 cm. Thanks to transshipment, you do not have to think about how to root a lemon. The main thing is not to transplant while the lemon is blooming or bearing fruit.

Crown formation

As the lemon grows, the crown should be trimmed - in the spring, on a low stem about 18 cm, before the green mass begins to build up. We cut off the shoots, leaving 5 leaves, so that the tree branches out by the beginning of fruiting.

A tree with a well-formed crown blooms in the second or third year.

Formation of the crown of indoor lemon

Lemon flowering on the windowsill and harvesting

While the lemon is blooming, you cannot leave all the flowers on the plant:

• At the first flowering, we cut off half of the flowers and leave no more than 4 fruits from the formed ovaries.
• At the second flowering, we leave only 6 fruits.
• At the third flowering, we leave 8 fruits, etc.

Flowering regulation is necessary to maintain a strong and healthy lemon tree: excess buds will quickly deplete it. Each ovary should have at least 10 developed leaves.

The flowers do not need pollination and bloom for about 2 months.

Fruiting of lemons is possible up to 4 times a year: it depends on the variety. It takes about 6-8 weeks for the fetus to develop and begin to ripen. The rind of fully ripe lemons takes on a rich golden hue, which means it's time to harvest.

If tightened with collection, the skin will become thicker, the slices will dry out and the juice will lose its characteristic acidity.

Now you know how to care for a lemon at home so that it grows strong and healthy, and produces many fruits. Follow all the rules for keeping indoor lemon, and it will delight you with beautiful flowering and abundant fruiting all year round.

How to take care of lemon at home? This question interests every inexperienced gardener. After all, it is the care that affects the growth and fruiting of the plant. Lemon is a very useful citrus for the human body. It can be used to make delicious tea and boost immunity.

Proper lemon care is a guarantee of fruit production

Therefore, if you want to get all the healthy vitamins, you need to know how to care for the lemon tree.

Lemon watering

Home care is primarily about proper watering. In cold weather, homemade lemon is watered once a week. To do this, warm water must be defended in advance. In the warm season, watering is necessary once a day, because in the heat any plant requires a lot of liquid.

After each watering, the top layer of the soil must be loosened. It is necessary to bring water into the ground clearly according to the scheme so as not to harm the root system of the lemon, because a large amount of moisture can lead to its decay, and a lack of water leads to the fact that the lemon tree at home begins to throw off its leaves. This is the first answer to the question of how to care for homemade lemon.

Lighting

It is worth knowing about correct lighting if you are wondering "how to care for indoor lemon." After all, no plant can exist without sunlight. The lemon tree does not need a long day of light. The amount of light only affects the formation of leaves, not fruit. It is better to keep the tree at home on the windowsill, which is located in the east.

If there are no windows on the right side, then you need to protect the plant from direct sunlight. For proper crown formation, you need to turn the tree several times a month.

The shade negatively affects the development of the lemon. Try to properly care for the lemon, then such problems will not arise.

The lemon tree loves color, but not direct sunlight.

Air temperature

Lemon care at home provides for a temperature regime. This is one of the main conditions for the fruiting of lemon.

The temperature regime for lemon should be as follows:

1. When the lemon begins to bloom or grow actively, the air temperature should be at least 17 ° C.
2. When active fruiting begins: 20 ° C.
3. During the dormant period, which most often occurs in winter, the apartment should be between 14 ° C and 18 ° C.

For lemon at home, care in terms of temperature should be followed clearly. The slightest swings cause illness and death.

Lemon can be taken out into the fresh air in summer.

Humidity level

Homemade lemon care includes controlling moisture levels. In order for it to grow and bear fruit normally, the humidity must be high, especially in the summer due to the heat. On such days, the plant must be sprayed daily and washed once a week in the shower.

To increase the humidity level, you need to put a small container of water next to the pot, which will evaporate and create optimal conditions for the growth of the tree. If you wish, you can purchase a special air humidifier, which should be in the same room as the lemon.

Top dressing

Caring for indoor lemon also includes feeding it. In the summer, it is carried out every seven days, and in the winter - every month, if the lemon is fruitful. If there are no fruits, then this can be done less often. Lemon tree care includes fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers.

Before adding nutrients, the plant is watered. This will prevent root burns. If you use a ready-made mineral fertilizer, then the proportion of substances (N: P: K) is 14:16:18. Use the product according to the instructions.

Organic fertilizer for lemon must be prepared properly. To do this, you need to fill the manure with water and insist it for a week. Then the mixture is diluted in a ratio of 1:15. Twice a year, it is recommended to process the soil with potassium permanganate, this will prevent diseases.

Dung is an excellent organic fertilizer for lemon

Transfer

Growing a lemon includes not only proper care, but also its transplant. It is recommended to do it with trees every two years while they are young. V spring it is necessary to purchase a special soil and, using the transfer method, transplant the lemon into a pot that is 4 cm larger than the previous one. Thanks to the transshipment method, the roots retain their strength and quickly take root in a new place.

It is necessary to replant the tree several times a year during the growing season. Use expanded clay and charcoal drainage. You cannot replant the tree during flowering and during the period when it bears fruit. Correct fit- the key to the health of the tree.

Lemon transplant is carried out in spring

Lemon flowering and fruiting

Lemon trees must be looked after carefully, especially during the period when flowers appear on it. This occurs for the first time two years after sowing the seeds. When a plant is in bloom, you cannot leave all the flowers on it, i.e. To. young tree not able to grow all the ovaries that appear.

Flower Removal Process:

1. For the first time, a blooming lemon is cut in half, leaving an ovary for four fruits.
2. When the tree begins to bloom a second time, the ovaries are left for six lemons.
3. For the third time, ovaries should be left on the lemon for eight fruits.

These manipulations with the tree allow you to properly care for it and achieve active fruiting. The older the tree, the more lemons it will produce. Therefore, do not be afraid to pick flowers.

The plant bears fruit about four times a year, depending on the variety and care. From the moment of development to the moment of ripening, it takes about 6 months.

When fully ripe, the fruit has a golden skin. You should not delay harvesting, because lemon will lose all its beneficial properties.

Lemon flowering should be regulated

Pollination of lemon in pots

Flowering and fruiting occurs only in mature plants. If the lemon is still young, then it is recommended to pick off all the flowers. There must be about 20 mature leaves on a tree to produce fruit. Early fruiting depletes the plant, it can die. If the tree has grown stronger, then you need to wait until it blooms, and then you can pollinate.

How to pollinate lemon correctly? First you need to create the necessary conditions... Humidity should be 70% and air temperature 25 ° C. It is also worth preparing special tools:

• soft brush;
• a small piece of fur;
• cotton swab.

Carefully, using prepared tools, collect pollen from the stamens and transfer it to the pistils. Do this with all flowers. If you are in doubt that the pollination process was successful, you can repeat it.

If you wish, you can use special preparations. Biopreparations "Bud" or "Ovary" are popular. They allow the formation of fruits, in the event that the ovary develops very weakly.

If you have a lemon "settled", caring for it at home will require a lot of work. It belongs to remontant plants, therefore, under certain conditions, it is able to bloom and bear fruit all year round. But not everyone succeeds not only in trying the fruits of their citrus, but also just admiring the flowering. What is the reason? Let's figure it out.

Variety selection

First of all, for planting in the house, you should choose varieties specially bred for these purposes. They do not grow to gigantic dimensions, but at the same time they are characterized by high yields. Pay attention to these varieties of dwarf and semi-dwarf lemons:

• Meyer
• Pavlovsky
• Novogruzinsky
• Maikop
• Eureka
• Genoa

Among the most common varieties in our latitudes, the Meyer lemon, caring for it is the least troublesome in comparison with other species. This variety is sometimes called the Chinese dwarf, and its fruits are not as sour as those of other varieties. Dwarf lemons do not have a rich harvest, but they will add comfort to the interior of the apartment.

Indoor lemon video

Tall lemons will certainly delight you with tasty and large fruits, but at the same time, they require a lot of time to care, because, in addition to the usual activities, they need more frequent pruning, garter and crown formation. If you are interested in these citrus fruits, choose from the following varieties:

• Novogruzinsk
• Kursk

Creation of optimal lighting, temperature and humidity conditions

How to take care of lemon in an ordinary city apartment, when there is no heating, then windows to the north, then the air is too dry for citrus? You will have to provide the tree comfortable conditions growth and development.

The first thing that matters to a lemon is light.

Homemade lemon photo

For the arrangement of the pots, it is better to choose southeast windows with moderate lighting, if, of course, you are lucky and you have them. But what if your whole alternative is the north or south side.

On the northern windows, the lemon will noticeably lack light, so you will have to use fluorescent lamps, extending the daylight hours for the plant up to 12 hours. This is especially true for the winter period.

There is always plenty of light on the south side of the house, and even a surplus for lemon. Therefore, at midday it is necessary to shade your citrus, saving it from the destructive effects of direct sunlight, which can leave real burns on the leaves.

Lemon is a native of the Pacific tropics, so it is not surprising that the tree is demanding on the thermal regime.

In the spring, during the budding period, the room temperature should be 14 - 16 degrees. A high degree contributes to the drying out and shedding of the buds, and a low degree slows down or even stops this process. During the rest period, room temperature is sufficient up to 26 degrees. If possible, transfer your pet to the glassed-in balcony for the summer. Fresh air will benefit the lemon and the question of how to care for the lemon will not be so acute. However, you should be wary of both sudden temperature changes and drafts. As a true southerner, indoor lemon requires meticulous care.

Homemade lemon in the photo

Moisture. This parameter is very important for lemon. Therefore, it is necessary to control that the soil in the pot is constantly slightly moist. In summer, it is reasonable to increase the number to 3 waterings per week, and in winter you can reduce it to 1 time, but spray the air around the tree. This is provided that heating devices stand far from the plant. Water the lemon with cold water, which has settled for 5 hours. Water should not be poured directly under the root, but evenly over the entire surface of the soil. The air around the tree should also not be dry - at least 60% humidity. Otherwise, you run the risk of seeing twisted, brownish leaves on the lemon.

Fertilizing, feeding ...

Lemon, like the rest of the plants in your home, needs support and needs to be fed periodically.

Young lemon trees do not need additional stimulation; lemons that have reached 3-4 years of age need to be fertilized.

Pictured is a lemon tree

You can purchase specialized mixtures of organic fertilizers, or you can use folk methods:

• For abundant fruiting, sometimes ordinary watering is replaced with infusion eggshell... But you should not get carried away with this method, so as not to reduce the acidity of the soil with an excess of calcium.
• If the plant develops normally, has a healthy appearance and pleases with flowering, fertilization can be abandoned.
• During the growing season, it is worth feeding the lemon with superphosphate twice (for 1 liter of 50 grams of fertilizer).
• Ammonium nitrate is highly recommended for improving growth. It is taken in the proportion of 30 grams per liter of water. Watering with such fertilizer can be carried out monthly.
• Water your lemon periodically with a 7-day infusion of horse manure, diluted tenfold.
• Lemon needs microelements for normal development: magnesium, phosphorus, nitrogen and others. To compensate for their deficiency, you can use the Citrus mixture fertilizer once a quarter. 2-3 grams of this fertilizer is diluted in a liter of water and used instead of the main watering.

Pruning and replanting indoor lemon

Young lemon trees should be transplanted at least once a year.

Instances older than 3 years - with a frequency of 2-3 years. However, the need for a transplant may arise "unscheduled", for example, due to illness or deterioration of the lemon condition.

In the photo, a lemon transplant

1. The soil around the trunk is watered abundantly so that it softens, then the tree is carefully removed. In this case, extreme caution must be exercised so as not to disturb the earthen ball and not to hurt the root system.
2. If you find damaged roots, cut them off with a sharp knife or blade.
3. For transplanting, take a capacity 30-50% larger than the previous one. Too big, like too small a pot, slows down growth. Give preference to a cone-shaped container.
4. Place the crock at the bottom of the pot on the drain hole so that its convex side is on top. Then a layer of drainage (small pebbles, pebbles), a thin layer of dry manure and an earthen mixture are laid.
5. Closer to the center of the pot, a tree is installed along with a lump of earth. Slowly start filling the container with soil between the lump and the walls of the pot. You can lightly press down on the laid soil, but there is no need to tamp it tightly.

Lemon pruning is done in order to form a beautiful crown and improve fruiting.

At a tree height of 20-25 cm from the ground, pinch the stem, making it possible to develop lateral branches. Please note that the first fruits appear on the branches of the 4th-5th order (rows from the bottom) and until they are formed, there is no need to wait for the fruits.

Vertically grown branches should be pruned without mercy.

To form the correct shape, the flower pot must be carefully turned relative to the sun every 10 days. Gardeners sometimes improve the crown using copper wire - they fix individual branches with it, giving them the desired direction of growth.

Photo of a lemon cut

The formation of the crown is also carried out at the moments of picking fruits. Ripe lemon is cut not only with a stalk, but also with a section of the branch itself with 1-2 internodes. This stimulates the growth of the branch.

Homemade lemon - emergency care

Lemon is very whimsical to environment and reacts instantly to the slightest fluctuations in temperature or humidity. Measures should be taken to save the plant.

Dried citrus needs watering. By appearance foliage - it becomes yellowish-brownish and rare - it is easy to guess the cause of the disease. But do not rush to irrigate the soil abundantly, you can spoil the root system. It is better to pour a little settled water under the root, and spray around the crown. You can wrap the barrel with gauze folded in several layers and soaked in water. Let the tree stand in this "outfit" for several hours, but do not leave it overnight.

Excess watering will quickly make itself felt by a sudden leaf fall. Seemingly healthy leaves suddenly fly around en masse. As soon as a symptom is identified, proceed with a transplant immediately. Carefully remove the tree from the pot, set it along with the earth lump on newspaper or cardboard so that the roots dry out. You need to plant in the soil, slightly moistened and continue to water moderately.

In the photo, homemade lemon with fallen leaves

It is very difficult to save a frozen lemon. In conditions of a sharp cold snap, the vital activity of the plant may cease. In addition to falling foliage, the trunk darkens when freezing. You can try to carry out "resuscitation". To do this, move the lemon to a warmer room, extend the daylight hours using artificial lights. It makes sense to transplant into another pot. When removing, be sure to inspect the rhizome, remove dead and rotten parts. Remove dried out branches.

Overheating is no less dangerous for citrus. The emerging brown spots on the leaves clearly indicate overheating. Therefore, on hot summer days, remove the container with the plant deep into the room. Make sure that the air from the air conditioner does not enter the crown. No additional watering or cooling is required.

Important! You cannot often change the place and habitat, it takes a long time and badly to adapt to new circumstances. Therefore, it slows down growth and fruiting, and may even show signs of illness. Drafts and unventilated rooms are equally destructive for him.

Photo of a lemon tree

Lemon pests and diseases

Appearing white flies may indicate stagnation. Their larvae feed on roots and cause significant damage to the plant. To combat them, insecticides are used. different types- solutions for irrigation and aerosol forms for the destruction of insects that have managed to hatch. Karbofos and Aktelik are quite effective against these insects.

It is necessary to regularly look at lemon leaves, on which ticks and scale insects can settle. Outwardly, mites are like tiny spiders. They are given out by the color orange or brown, which stands out noticeably against the green background. back side leaves. They tighten the damaged areas with a thin cobweb, by which it is easy to recognize pests. Rinse twigs and leaves on both sides at intervals of three to four days several times under a high pressure shower head. Multiple infusions are effective

• garlic (infuse 1 medium-sized head in 0.5 l of water),
• onions (1 onion, finely grated, poured with a liter of water),
• bay leaf (2-3 leaves per 0.5- liter jar water)
• strong infusion of green tea (for 2 cups boiled water 2 tbsp dry tea leaf).

Attention! It is not recommended to water the soil with these means.

Scabbards look like small brown turtles, motionless and tightly attached to leaves. It is difficult to deal with them. Three times at weekly intervals, wipe the plant, including leaves on both sides, twigs and trunk, thoroughly with a mixture of soap and kerosene, taken in a ratio of 1 / 0.5. Cover the ground with cardboard or polyethylene, wrap the trunk at the very bottom with a narrow bandage to prevent the penetration of liquid into the root system.

Lemons often get sick from improper care. Brownish leaves on the outside healthy plant, and even during the flowering period - one of the ailments. In this case, reconsider the conditions for keeping the flower, it may make sense to transplant it. But in this case, choose a soil different from that at present. Perhaps it was the acidity of the soil that caused the disease.

Video about pests of indoor lemon

As for the human body, disease prevention is important for citrus fruits. To prevent diseases, observe the regime, carry out transplantation, pruning of damaged areas. Sometimes a sudden illness can be dictated by the depletion of the plant itself. In this case, limit flowering to a few buds, and remove the rest, no matter how sorry. Each house has its own separate microclimate, which is not always suitable for lemon. The task of the plant owner is to adapt it to existing conditions gradually.

Sometimes the process of caring for a lemon at home is comparable in terms of the hassle of caring for small children - it is difficult in the beginning, but all the work is rewarded when the tree begins to grow actively.

Lemon is a citrus evergreen 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, lemon is capable of bearing 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. From the squeezed peel, good essential oils are obtained. The fruit itself contains vitamin C, a group of vitamins B, E.

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

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

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

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

After 2-3 years, 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 store essential nutrients. Requires up to 15 pieces. for the ripening of one fruit.

Flowering usually takes place in the spring, but at home, it can happen at any time. The flowers are white or cream in color.

Lemon ripening is very slow, in the natural environment for at least half a year, at home it can reach a year, so there can be fruits and new flowers on the bush at the same time. The fruit tastes sour with big amount vitamin C. When ripe, they change color to bright yellow and the fruits must be plucked, they themselves do not fall off. The tree can exist and bear fruit for more than 40 years, and it can be found up to 60.

Lemon varieties

A tree up to 2 m high, which constantly bears fruit and is well adapted to domestic conditions. With proper care and pruning, the first flowers begin to appear at 4 years old. Some of the flowers are cut off to avoid depletion. 80% bloom in early to mid-spring, 20% bloom in October. Lemons ripen for almost a year, up to 10 months, but are cut off after 12 months. Rapid fruiting brings methol propagation by cuttings.

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

Another name is Chinese lemon, or dwarf, due to its small height up to 1 m. It tastes like a mixture of orange and lemon. Leaves are slightly serrated. It blooms with white flowers, 6 petals each. It reads fruiting already for 2 years, with round fruits and a thin peel. Fruiting well every year, ripening period up to 9 months. At high storage temperatures, it transfers dry air, in winter it is necessary to humidify the room, otherwise the bush will begin to lose leaves.

Height reaches 2 m, in some cases 2.5 m. The leaves are lush, light green. A voluminous crown with a huge number of small thorns. Unlike other varieties, it bears fruit every 3 years, but mature tree yields up to 200 fruits, 100 grams each. The lemons themselves are tasty and juicy, with few seeds. But there is a feature that can only grow fully in large greenhouses.

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

Medium-sized tree with a lush crown with multiple leaves. The height of the lemon reaches 1.5 m and is able to bear fruit well in small greenhouses, or home greenhouses. Resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.

Medium-sized trees, reaching heights of up to 1.5-1.8 m. Quickly and abundantly begins to bear fruit, already in the 2nd year of life. Flowering takes place several times a year. Prefers moderate sunlight from the southeast or east side. Fruits are highly valued, an adult tree can produce up to 150 pieces.

This is a new variety of lemon with oval leaves pointed at the end. Flowers are collected in brushes of 15 pcs. It blooms 2 times a year in early spring and autumn. Quickly begins to bear fruit, already for 3 years, but with a small tree size, better flowers rip off. Needs a lot of ambient light.

Lemon care at home

Location: The plant tolerates sunlight well enough, but starting in spring, it is necessary to gradually accustom to it. In 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 scenery, leaves and flowers begin to fall off.

In winter, artificial lighting can extend the daylight hours by 10-12 hours. It is better to choose windows facing east, or west, where there is no dining sun. Shade-tolerant varieties, capable of growing from the north side.

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

Temperature: When it reaches 12-14 degrees, the tree can be taken out into the open area. In the spring, the flowering process begins and the temperature is over 20 degrees, leads to a drop in color. But in early spring, beware of low readings and frost at night. Cover the bush with gauze, or take it to closed rooms... With the onset of autumn and cold snaps, when the temperature drops to 10-12 degrees, the tree is taken to the apartment, but it is also necessary to gradually accustom to heat. Optimum wintering rates are 14-16 degrees. This mode will ensure optimal ripening of the fruit and preserve 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 2-3 times a day, moisten, or spray the leaves with warm, settled, or soft water, also put the pot on a pallet with moistened expanded clay.

Watering: Beginning in spring, the tree needs regular and abundant watering, before the onset of cold weather. In the fall, watering is gradually reduced. All excess water is poured from the pan, otherwise the fragile roots will begin to rot. V summer-spring period, the earthen lump must always be wet, with the onset of winter, watered only after the top layer dries. Insufficient watering leads to yellowing of the leaves and their subsequent shedding. Water is used soft, rainy, or at room temperature. Typically watered early in the morning, or after sunset, to avoid heavy evaporation.

Soil: For lemon, use purchased soil for citrus ornamental plants, or do it yourself: sod and leafy soil, sand, peat. All components are mixed in equal proportions. Good drainage is done at the bottom of the pot.

Transplant: Up to 4-5 years old, the plant needs to be transplanted annually. Mature trees have a branched fragile root system, and replanting can negatively affect the bush. Only the top layer of the earth is replaced annually, and completely transplanted every 3-4 years. When transshipment, the roots of the plant are transferred to a new pot along with an earthen clod, only I add the required amount of earth.

At the bottom, a ¼ part of the expanded clay drainage is preliminarily placed. They are planted in a loose substrate, which must pass water and air well. Pots are selected high, preferably clay with a hole at the bottom for excess water to escape when watering. Large individuals are planted in hardwood tubs.

Reproduction: There are several ways to propagate lemon and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Reproduction can take place: by seeds, cuttings, grafts.

Seeds. With seed propagation, the lemon produces good and high-quality fruits, the process is less capricious and does not require special care conditions. But one of the significant drawbacks, only after 6-7 years, the first fruiting begins to appear, and the full phase begins after 12-15 years. Improper care of the crown with a large number of young shoots will further delay the fruiting period. If you graft dormant buds into a shoot from a fruiting tree, in 2-4 years, you will see the first fruits of lemons.

Seeds are taken from ripe lemon precisely adapted to room conditions. Immediately after ripening, the seeds are sown into the ground from sand and humus, taken in equal amounts, deepening no more than 1 cm. The pots are taken 7-10 cm in diameter. Until the seeds sprout, the temperature is kept at about 25 degrees with regular watering.

A month later, the first shoots will appear, protect them from direct sunlight. 2 times a month, fertilizers are added in the form of a 1% solution of nitrate and manure slightly diluted with water. As soon as 3-4 leaves appear, young seedlings dive into separate pots.

Vaccination. This is a method of grafting with a bud (eye) on a young shoot taken from a fruiting bush. Cuttings are taken, which are 2-3 years old, are placed in wet sand. Those shoots from which the cuttings are cut, remove all the leaves.

For grafting, take seedlings 2-3 years old, grown in room conditions, pre-preparing for the grafting process. Shoots extending to the sides, near the seedling, where the bud will take root, are cut off in 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 incision in the bark, then a longitudinal incision by 2 cm. It is necessary to cut the top layer (bark) without damaging the shoot itself.

Take one eye, from the middle of the cutting, where they are better formed and inserted into a T-shaped incision. The place is wrapped with electrical tape, or a rag. After 2-3 weeks, the kidney should take root. Unwind the electrical tape and loosen it a little. After another 2 weeks, the stock is cut 3-5 cm above the graft and the place is covered with oil paint.

The best period for this beginning is the middle of spring, when the juicing is highest, although lemons are adapted for room conditions, the term 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 fruiting bushes. 3-4 years after grafting, the young sprout will begin to bear fruit.

In the middle of summer, the shoot is cut off and placed in a container with moistened sand, constantly keeping the humidity and temperature at 25 degrees. Cut off last year's shoots, where the thickness does not exceed 4-5 mm. The length is about 10 cm and the presence of at least 3 buds is required. The upper and lower cut are made from the kidney 3 cm higher and lower, respectively.

After placing in the sand, the top is covered with a glass flask for better rooting. Use either pure sand or with the addition of earth. The cutting is regularly sprayed and protected from direct sunlight. After a month, roots should appear, and the upper bud will begin to grow. The temperature is lowered to 18-22 degrees.

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

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

• Lack of nitrogen leads to yellowing of the leaves and a decrease in fruitfulness, the fruit loses its quality and size.
• An insufficient amount nitrogen leads to leaf fall, the color becomes pale and dull.
• Potassium - its lack affects the fruits, the amount decreases and the size decreases, the folding of the leaves increases.
• A decrease in the amount of iron leads to yellowing, and later on the leaves fall off, the upper part of the bush begins to dry.
• Calcium is the main element in the growth of any plant. Lemon noticeably slows down in growth and ripening, becomes pale and gradually dies off.

Complex commercial fertilizers are often used for citrus plants. The consistency is added according to the specified instructions, an excessive amount is detrimental to the plant.

Also fits well organic fertilizers in the form of humus, diluted in water. You can add blood from animal meat to the water. When washing meat, water is collected and added to the wood.

Pruning: For successful fruiting, it is necessary to cut 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, thus giving it splendor. This is done at the end of winter. There should be at least 4-6 kidneys that will release new ones side shoots... Of these shoots, only 3-4 are left, evenly spaced in all directions.

After growth, these shoots are also cut off the tops 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. Further, it is constantly necessary to pinch (prune) new shoots.

Fruiting also has its own characteristics, for even ripening, some of the flowers are evenly plucked throughout the entire 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 the lemon tree: scale insect, spider mite, thrips.

The spider mite appears on the underside of the leaves. For removal, the leaves are treated with actellik solution.

On new shoots and leaves, a scabbard appears, drinking the sap of the plant. The leaves turn yellow, with prolonged damage, the bush dies.

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

Most pests are washed off with a cloth and soapy water, or a solution from garlic.

Difficulties in caring for lemon

• Leaves wither and curl into a tube- too dry earthen lump, give a lemon to drink, increase the humidity of the room, but do not fertilize until its previous shape is restored.
• Leaves fall - too dry, or wet soil, air humidity less than 50-60%, the temperature regime is disturbed, drafts.
• Leaves fall and branches dry- excessive watering. Wait until the soil is completely dry, then resume watering, but less intensively.
• The tips of the leaves curl and darken- the reason, burns from direct sunlight.
• Falling and wilting of leaves- tree depletion. One fruit should have at least 12 leaves, all other ovaries are removed.
• Yellowing of leaves from the middle to the edge- overheating of the pot (earth) in the sun.
• Leaves crumble sharply- excessive fertilization has burned the roots. Keep the soil constantly moist, and until recovery the same kind lemon, do not fertilize.
• Leaves change their shape chaotically, curl, wrinkle- the reason, most likely, is a change of place, or improper fertilization (there is not enough of any component, and there is too much of another). After adaptation, everything should be restored. Use only commercial citrus plant food. Fertilizer is diluted according to the instructions, but 2 times lower concentration.

The lemon tree illuminates the room with juicy and bright fruits, and also decorates the windowsill. We will tell you in full detail how to care for potted lemon. At home, everything is quite simple, you just need to provide the plant with proper lighting, watering and feeding. It is noteworthy that the lemon tree can live up to 100 years or even more, therefore it is passed on by inheritance.

Preparing to grow potted lemon

Before growing a strong and completely healthy lemon from the seed, carry out preparatory measures.

1. First, select the planting material. For this purpose, remove the seeds from fresh fruit. Under no circumstances use a seed that you got a long time ago. It won't germinate.

2. Once you collect the seeds, rinse them in warm water. Do not wait or dry, submerge immediately in the substrate. Such a simple move will increase the number of seedlings by 60%.

3. Citrus growers share one more effective method enhancing the quality of the future tree and the speed of seed germination. They recommend using a sharp knife to free the seed from the hard shell. It prevents the sprout from breaking out.

4. Before taking care of the lemon, it must be germinated in a pot. But before planting at home, the collected material is kept for 3 hours in a special growth stimulator. The seed shells must not be allowed to dry out. The growth stimulator is used only when planting bones with a shell.

Growing lemon from seed in a pot at home

Lemon can be obtained from the seed by adhering to step-by-step instructions at home. Growing up is not difficult, given all the nuances.

1. So, first take care of shallow containers, make holes at the bottom (side) for excess moisture to escape. Thus, you will prevent stagnation of water and decay of planting material.

3. Now about the soil. It is better to make it yourself from river sand, humus and garden soil. Crushed charcoal (charcoal) is added to the substrate for enrichment with nutrients and bactericidal effect.

4. If it is not possible to make a soil, buy a ready-made substrate in the store "Summer resident" or "Everything for gardening". Choose soil made for citrus sprouting.

5. Before caring for a lemon in a pot, it must be planted and germinated at home. The ideal period for sowing seeds is February. If you are in a hurry, then the manipulations are carried out earlier.

6. So, first you need to moisten the soil until water starts pouring out of the drainage holes from the bottom. This means that there is enough liquid. Now you need to make holes 2 cm deep, place bones in them and sprinkle them.

7. If the container is rectangular, it is allowed to plant a couple of seeds in it at the same time. Plants will not interfere with each other, because when 3-4 leaves appear, they will already need to be transplanted.

8. Place the film on top of the containers, make holes to prevent the accumulation of condensation. Leave the seedlings at a temperature of 22-25 degrees. The temperature should not be allowed to drop, otherwise the sprouts will not hatch.

9. Now all that remains is to wait. As practice shows, you will see the first shoots after 1-4 weeks. Spray the soil with a spray bottle for a specified period. Do not water the soil unless there are clear signs of drying out.

How to care for lemon seedlings from seed

How to care for an adult lemon in a pot, we will explain below. In the meantime, we will study the features of caring for seeds planted in the soil. At home, all manipulations are reduced to the following:

1. When you see green sprouts hatching above the soil, accustom them to room temperature gradually. Periodically remove the film from the surface of the container so that the sprouts "breathe".

2. After 3-4 leaves appear, remove the polyethylene completely. It's time to transplant small plants into their individual pots, in which they will grow stronger every day.

3. In the first year of a seedling's life, all care is reduced to pinching, watering, timely transplantation and formation of the first crown.

4. In addition, in cold weather and cloudy weather, the seedlings should be illuminated with phytolamps on LEDs or fluorescent lamps.

5. In the summer, fertilizing is carried out for 2 weeks (alternation of minerals with a humus solution).

6. It is necessary to replant young plants every year. Do not disturb the roots, so move with extreme caution.

7. If an earthen lump around the root system has not formed properly, it is not at all necessary to replace the entire soil. Citrus growers recommend changing the top layer.

8. To prevent the plant from weakening, do not allow it to bear fruit until 3 years of age. Therefore, simply remove the first shoots directed deep into the crown. Rotate the seedling systematically so that the lighting is evenly distributed.

How to care for a potted lemon tree

Now let's take a closer look at how to care for an adult lemon in a pot. Follow simple instructions at home.

# 1. Provide lighting

1. Do not forget that the discussed plant loves light. Moreover, it should be bright enough.

2. However, keep your seedlings out of direct sunlight. As soon as the tree grows stronger and grows, nothing will threaten it.

No. 2. Maintain the temperature

1. The lemon tree is classified as a subtropical plant. Therefore, it needs moderate heat.

2. In winter, provide the seedling with a temperature of +12 degrees. In the summer season - not higher than +22 degrees. Take the tree out to the loggia or street. Build a canopy if necessary.

No. 3. Watch out for humidity

1. In addition to watering, the tree needs systematic spraying with water.

2. For this purpose, boiled liquid at room temperature is used.

3. Attention: the seedling needs high air humidity (!), And not soil.

Watering a lemon tree in a pot

# 1. Summer / spring / autumn watering

1.In warm season take care of frequent and abundant hydration. If the room is cool and humid, frequent watering to nothing.

No. 2. Winter watering

1. In winter, watering is carried out as the top layer of the soil dries up. Make sure that the soil does not dry out more than 1 cm deep.

2. To do this, mulch it, that is, sprinkle it with hay / sawdust / pieces of bark, etc. Then the plant will not dry out. Do not overuse watering so that the tree does not rot.

Soil and fertilizing the lemon tree in a pot

It is important to learn how to care for a potted lemon tree and continue to grow it at home. Consider some of the features.

# 1. The soil

1. A lemon tree needs a fertile soil that will allow water and oxygen to pass through without any problems.

2. To create such a soil, it is enough to combine peat, rotted foliage, sand, humus and 2 parts of turf in equal proportions.

3. Maintain the acidity at a pH of 5.8-6.5. Place 2 cm of drainage on the bottom of the pot. It will not retain water.

No. 2. Top dressing

1. In order for the lemon tree to develop fully, systematically indulge it with fertilizers of mineral and organic origin.

2. With the onset of spring and until mid-autumn, apply fertilizer once every 20 days. At the same time, alternate mineral and organic feeding.

4. Adhere to the main requirement - feed in warm time years later 2 hours after watering.

Pruning lemon tree in a pot

The answer to the question of how to care for a lemon in a pot will be incomplete if you do not consider the timely pruning of the tree at home.

1. Pruning is considered an essential part of grooming. Correctly shape the crown depending on the purpose of growing the lemon.

2. If the plant is grown as a decoration, the crown should be made compact. A completely different method is used to obtain full-fledged citrus fruits.

3. A fruiting tree should have several main branches of fruit wood. Shape the crown by pinching.

4. Pinch the zero shoots, the length of which is 25 cm. Then repeat the procedure at a height of 20 cm from the previous pinching. As a result, 4 developed buds remain on this segment.

5. Pinch the shoots on the first row every 25-30 cm. As they ripen, cut them 5 cm shorter than the previous row. At the end, complete the formation of the crown on the shoots of the last order.

The seed lemon will bear fruit if all requirements are met. In this case, citruses will begin to ripen on a tree without grafting. Do not wait good harvest earlier than 4 years later. If you are vaccinated, the ripening period for the first lemons will be slightly reduced. Otherwise follow clear instructions for the care of the tree.

The lemon tree is an evergreen perennial thermophilic plant that does not tolerate low temperatures. It is a hybrid species of plants of the genus Citrus, belongs to the Rutov family. The lemon tree was originally grown as ornamental plant in China.

Lemon tree - description.

The lemon tree can be up to three meters high. The leaves of the plant are dark green with shine. Lemon tree flower has white inflorescences, which are arranged in brushes in the axils of old leaves or at the tips of old and new shoots.

Flower bud formation occurs throughout the year, but more in the spring. After the appearance of the bud, the flower of the lemon tree develops for another month and only then blooms. Lemon blooms for several days. The aroma of the blossoming buds is delicate and sweetish, a bit like the smell of acacia or jasmine. With a sharp drop in air temperature in the room, the lemon tree reacts immediately. It is for this reason that the lemon tree leaves, unblown buds and flowers fall off. Optimum temperature the room in which the plant is located is +16 + 18 ° С, the humidity should be at least 60%.

The color range of the lemon pericarp can be from light yellow to red or green. Lemon peel is dense from orange to bright yellow. It contains glands with essential oils which give it a specific aroma. Fruit weight is small, on average 65 grams. The length of the lemon is from 6 to 9 centimeters, the diameter is from 4 to 6 centimeters. The sectional interior has several nests with seeds. The fruits of the lemon tree can be arranged either singly or in bunches. They differ in shape depending on the variety or type of hybrid.

Types of lemon trees.

By the presence of the stipule, it can be determined that the lemon tree in the pot is hybrid. These varieties include Jubilee lemon, Meyer's lemon, Ponderosa lemon. Also distinguish Pavlovsky lemon, Novogruzinsky lemon, Genoa, Lisbon, Ural lemon, Kursk lemon, Maikop lemon, Jubilee lemon, Eureka, Lunario and other species.

Some types of homemade lemons have a reddish-lilac color during flowering. Room or decorative species lemon trees are unpretentious, relatively low and produce well (some varieties up to four times a year). They differ only in the taste of the fruit, the size of the plant and the frequency of appearance and ripening of fruits. Flowering and fruiting in them begins in the third year of life.

Where does the lemon tree grow?

The homeland of lemons is considered to be China, India and the tropical Pacific islands. The wild state of the lemon is unknown, most likely a hybrid that arose in the process of evolution. As an agricultural crop, lemon is grown in the CIS countries: in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan. The leaders in the cultivation of lemons are India, Mexico, Italy, Turkey.

Lemon tree care.

In order for this plant to be able to delight you with its aroma and frequent harvest, you should know the rules for caring for a lemon tree. It is important to learn how to fertilize, how to prune, and how to water the lemon tree before planting.

First of all, watering lemon tree produce only with settled (not less than a day) water. The trickle of water should be directed as close to the ground as possible to avoid root erosion. The pot is filled with water until it appears at the bottom of the pan.

The soil during planting and during growth should be loose and nutritious. Fertilizer is applied once a week along with watering the lemon. In winter, if the air temperature in the room is not higher than 15 ° C, the lemon goes into "sleep mode" and does not require strong lighting. A pot with a lemon tree is placed as close to the window as possible, but it is better if direct sunlight will not fall on the lemon. If the lemon tree begins to bloom prematurely, such buds must be removed, otherwise the plant may die.

Leaves require special care. It is necessary to ensure that pests do not appear on the surface of the leaves, spray them with water at least once a week. If, nevertheless, pests were found, a soap solution or tincture of tobacco should be prepared, with which each leaf is treated. You can also purchase special insecticides. The most dangerous and common pests homemade lemon- This is a scale insect, scale insect, nematode and garden slug.

A nematoda is a small transparent worm that gnaws at the roots of a lemon, settles in them and sucks out the juice. At the same time, the tree begins to lose leaves abundantly. To detect a pest, you need to dig out the roots, there will be small swollen areas or growths on them, and the pest lives in them.

Fun fact: If you move a plant from its usual place, where it was constantly, and just unfold the pot of lemon, the plant can slow down its growth and bear poor fruit.