I have had this lemon tree for one year. I'm in Southwest Florida and so the winters are mild. The plant dropped leaves in the winter, but the Plant Clinic said that's normal. It's late spring now, and the leaves look droopy. There has been a little new growth, but it looks odd, as if a bug is feasting. Upon closer inspection, I see dark 'S' shaped lines in the leaves. Help!!
Thanks,
Harper
Those are from leaf miners. They are larva that get in the leaves and eat the middle of the leaves. I don't know much about them, other then that but if I find more info I will post it.
It is not normal for citrus to drop their leaves.
The leaves on your plant look like more than leaf miners (I see the tracks of the miners).
I see: Pale, yellow. Suggests any of several nutrient deficiencies. Curled/wrinkled. Suggests pests like leaf rollers or other problem. Weeds around the plant look greener than the 'weeds' away from the plant: The grass nearest the plant is grabbing most of the water and any fertilizer you are applying.
1) Remove the grass from around the plant. This year, at least a 3' diameter circle. Next year double that.
2) Apply a complete fertilizer including trace minerals. Read the label for how often to apply, and do it that often. If you use any of the organic materials they are slow release, you probably will not see an immediate response. I would use the organic materials in the 3' circle, and rake them in a bit with the soil, and use a faster release product as a foliar spray. Yes, applying fertilizer by spraying it on the leaves.
3) Mulch the plant with almost any kind of compost. Coarse enough to allow air-water exchange. Do not place the compost right against the trunk- keep it a few inches away from the trunk.
Ongoing:
Do not allow weeds to grow under the canopy of the tree.
Add fertilizer according to the schedule, but I would use slow release or organic materials, not the fast release products. In a warm area like Florida, I would use the slow release or organics several times per year, and the fast release as a foliar spray occasionally (not more than a couple of times a year- it is more of a short term boost, not a regular meal)
Renew the mulch as needed.
THANK YOU!!!!
