I purchased a varigated pink lemon tree/plant on clearance last week which looked to be in fine shape, just not as full as it could have been, and now it seems to be taking a turn for the worse. First the leaves started dropping and I figured it was just acclimating. But now they are looking like a combination of wilted/dry all over the plant.
It's in a 3 gallon pot. The plant is about 12" high and at least 12" or more in overall diameter. I have it indoors next to my south-facing glass doors. Since it was being kept indoors when I purchased it, I was hesitant to put it outside where we're currently having 100+ temps right now. The soil has not dried completely on top yet from when I first brought it home. When I bought it, the soil was very wet with water standing in the saucer like it had just been watered. The only reason I mention that is because now I wonder if it had gotten too wet.
I've tried looking up more info for this online, but haven't come up with anything yet, so if someone could point in the right direction, or tell me your own experience with one, that would be great.
It has such nasty thorns on it, I haven't pulled it out of the pot yet to check its roots, but looks like I may have to. Does it sound like it's been overwatered? Or maybe too much sun? Or is it just sulking from the new location?
Varigated Pink Lemon - Need Help
I've had one for several years. If they get severly dry some leaves will fall a few days later. I keep mine outside in half day shade/sun in summer.
Thanks for the input, Cala. I suppose it could have gotten too dry before it was watered at the store. Maybe I'll give it another day or two to perk up again before taking further measures.
Heather, if you don't see insects like spider mites or mealy bugs and if there are no signs of fungus or mildew on the leaves, it's probably a cultural problem. Give it a week or so, it should start putting out new leaves.
Here is a link to care for indoor citrus. http://pine.usask.ca/cofa/departments/hort/hortinfo/plants/x-mas2.html
No sign of bugs or anything else, just droopy leaves, so maybe it'll pull out of it soon.
heather, i'm certainly no expert, but i do have a pink lemon growing outside (florida, no less!) and suspect that the glass yours is behind may be blocking the ultraviolet from the sun making it 'starve'. think about it and let us know if it's being outside for a few days helps. ALso, just as another thought - is the tree firmly in the soil (not rattling around)? Good luck!!