Why lemon leaves fall and how to deal with it

Many people grow or breed citrus fruits at home, because it is not only always a green, attractive-looking plant, but a pleasant fresh aroma and, if properly cared for, a good harvest. And what could be more original than lemons grown with your own hands on a festive table at any time of the year?
However, it often happens that the leaves of a lemon fall off. More recently, a green leaf suddenly begins to curl and dry out. There are several reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon.

The reason is improper care

One of the most likely reasons why lemon leaves fall off is the illiterate care of a houseplant. Often, lemon is watered with cold water, the soil is overdried, or, conversely, due to abundant watering, the soil does not dry out and the root system begins to rot. Also a common mistake, high temperature and low air humidity, poor lighting lead to depletion of the house tree, twisting and yellowing of leaf tips, premature falling of unripe fruits. At the same time, too much light also harms the tree.

Do not be afraid if the leaves of only purchased lemon begin to turn yellow, it can be easily saved from such a disease. The adaptation period of the plant takes about 2-3 weeks, after which it will stop shedding foliage and give new buds. Lemon belongs to the tropical species, and its native atmosphere is the humid subtropics. The most difficult period at home for him is winter.

Leaves of lemon also fall off with insufficient, irregular or untimely fertilization of the soil. You can not introduce an abundant amount of fertilizers during the summer heat, during this period they can harm the plant more. Top dressing should be done in winter and especially in the spring, growing season. In the photo below, you can see what a healthy Meyer lemon looks like.

The reason is pests

It is possible that the leaves of the lemon fall off, due to spider mites, aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, or a disease such as gommosis.

Signs of the appearance of a tick is the appearance of a thin web at the base of the leaf. In a short period, the foliage begins to curl, turn yellow and fall off. The most favorable conditions for the appearance of ticks or other pests are dry hot climates. Treatment of the plant with insectoacaricides helps to get rid of such a pest.

If aphids are found on the back of the leaf, it should be removed along with the affected area and the whole tree should be immersed in hot water, in cases where it is still small, or treated with soapy water. With a large-scale lesion of aphids, you should spray the lemon with a special preparation, for example, Tanrek.

What to do?

You can save the lemon and ripening fruits by rearranging it to the southern part of the window, avoiding direct sunlight. Reflective surfaces should be installed around the plant to create additional light that will not burn the leaves. In the evening, it is necessary to turn on the fluorescent lamps next to the lemon, since it needs a longer daylight hours.

Do not bring the earthen coma to dry completely, since in this case the roots may die off, the movement of juices is greatly slowed down, especially in a young lemon, it will be almost very difficult to save it. The soil should be kept with medium moisture, the upper layers are allowed to dry by 2-2.5 cm.This is a prerequisite for the lemon to be green all year round and to bear fruit regularly.
In order not to wonder why lemon leaves fall, mineral fertilizers should be applied regularly and in a timely manner. This is especially important during the period of active growth in early spring and early summer. You can purchase special complex supplements containing the necessary phosphates, potassium salts, cobalt, zinc, selenium and other minerals.

Maintain an acceptable air humidity for the plant, do not move it close to the radiator and regularly spray the foliage with warm water. Cool rooms and drafts also adversely affect wood. It is imperative that every year in the spring to carry out for the prevention and prevention of diseases, chemical treatment of the plant with special preparations of insectoacaricides.

Video "Why lemon leaves fall and how to deal with it"

This video covers the most common causes of lemon shedding. Tells about the available and effective methods of struggle.