Hey everyone, I have a couple of questions about my newly acquired meyer lemon tree. I purchased it from Belleclare nursery, here on Long Island. It is a dwarf, everbearing meyer lemon tree. It is nicely established, probably 5 or 6 years old, in more of a bush-type form, rather than a single trunk. It is loaded with about 75 lemons right now(which are delicious,btw). Supposedly, it produces lemons all year round, in the house in the winter, with minimal sunlight.
I dont have any experience with citrus. I have been on gardenweb for years in the fig forum, so I know that I can make this plant successful here in NY. What types of soil does it like? Well draining? It seems to be doing fine, so Im just gonna switch the pot, and keep the original soil. What types of feeding cycles does it need? Fertilizing, weekly or monthly food, lime, salts, nitrogen, ph????? How much water does it like? Humidity?

Also, how should I alter the cycles between inside and outside of the house? Just so you all know, it will always be potted, and will never be put in the ground. I dont really care about getting lemons in the winter...this isnt why I bought it. I cannot ask the people from the nursery, because it closed...they retired.

What types of diseases and pest problems can I expect?

Right now, I just want to keep a good feeding cycle, without shocking the plant from what it is used to already. It is super healthy!!!

I know I asked a bunch of questions....if You only answer one, I would be very grateful!!

thank you all for your time.

ciao,
Anton



Oh, 3 more additions....
1) I prefer to use organic materials

2) how does propagation work with citrus. can I root a cutting, or do I need to grow from seed? Do different types of lemons need to be fertilized by plants of other sexes?

3) When is the time of year to prune and trim? While I am doing this, I can cut off some wood to propagate. When is the time of year to propagate? What is the process?(I propagate all of my figs, and will gladly trade with anyone!!)

They don't get much better looking than that!

Stream of consciousness kicking in..........

don't be afraid of the blue stuff
fish emulsion works great for the active growing season.
myers are finicky bastards.........
take a picture in Feb. and compare to now....
If it wasn't for the string.. that thing would be splayed all over the place....
........which is good.... more room for more citrus!

Welcome to the forum....
If your Feb. picture looks as good as this........
Tell me how you did it.......

Peace........a great idea... even if its only a dream.............
Scott

As you have not received answers to your questions, I will answer them. (1) Soil - VERY well draining.
(2) Feeding - At least once a month when using water soluble fertilizer
that contains trace minerals. Apply at 1/2 rate during winter months. I
strongly recommend that you use a slow release fertilizer like
Osmocote.
(3) pH - 6.5
(4) Water - water when the top two/three inches of growing medium feels
mostly dry.
(5) Humidity - In Long Island the humidity should be fine.
(6) Diseases - None in NY
(7) Insects - Mealy bugs, scale and probably aphids.
Anton, WELCOME to the Citrus Growers Forum. We are VERY glad you have become a member. Take care and good luck with your tree. - Millet

Thanks for your responses everyone. I've learned A LOT in the past 3 days.

What do I need to be aware of when I bring the tree inside the house....probably in another 2 weeks. Its not going to get idael sunlight...what can I expect?

How does my central air affect it, and how can I make adjustments. DO I need to do any routine spraying or misting? WIll the dry air cause problems?

Also, what about propagation? When is the time to do it? How does citrus respond to root hormones? I've always had bad luck with hormones on my fig and grape cuttings.

Also, does anyone have suggestions on fertilizing in a liquid form? Im using organic metanaturals solution. i also use their vegatable and friut food...dont know the #-#-# right now....


thanks all!!

ciao,
Anton

Hi Anton, I read some of your postings on the GW fig forum as I too have 5 diff varieties of figs!.
This is the place to be for great info on growing citrus. A lot of us here used to be on GW citrus forum, but most of us don't post there anymore.
That is a really nice lemon tree you have! When you bring it in, give it a south facing window & don't over water in winter. As Scott said, don't be afraid of the "blue stuff". A good fert is 24-8-16 with trace elements/ micro nutrients. I fert less in winter if at all, but mine are kept in a cool sunroom where the roots are not kept warm, so they go semi dormant. Myer's are very finicky for some of us. It seems almost normal for them to lose a lot of leaves in winter... I think it's because of over watering.
Don't put it near any heat vents. Occassional misting is good too. Some ppl put the whole pot in bathtub & give it a shower!.
Some ppl have good luck with rooting cuttings. Just cut the lower inch of bark off & dip in hormone, then pot up in 1/2 peet & 1/2 perlite. I've been lucky with air layering too.
If you read the postings in "container citrus", you will prolly find a lot of answers to your quests going back to Nov '05 when this forum was started. Lots of reading, but it's all there LOL.
There is a couple fig threads in "Fruits & tropicals" too.
How much was that beautiful Meyer??!!