Indoor Meyer Lemon Tree Help

[Kh3480]

Hello. I was wondering if anyone had some tips or similar experiences with their indoor Meyer lemon tree. Our tree had been dying due to lack of sunlight (we live in a state where winters are harsh) so I’d purchased led lights in January. Since then our tree has had a lot of blossoming flowers. However once the flowers get to full bloom and begin trying to produce a lemon the flowers have been becoming brown and brittle and eventually fall off the tree.

I’m new to lemon trees (and indoor trees in general) so I was wondering if this is normal for the first year with the tree and if there is anything I can do so that we can get some lemons.

(The tree gets watered usually ever 2-3 days and gets 12 hours of led light plus the natural light outside but no direct sunlight. I also don’t use any fertilizers.)

Thank you for any help.

 

[Chuck]

The reason the blooms are falling off and the fruit never gets bigger than pea size is because the blooms are not being pollinated. Indoors = no insects so it will have to be done by hand with a tiny paint brush. Your tree is super leggy and lacking in sufficient foliage, meaning it is not getting anywhere close to enough light. All plants need food so start fertilizing or very soon what leaves you do have will start to turn yellow and fall off and this will lead to eventual death.

When temperatures stay above about 50F you can move the plant outside.

 

[cpp gardener]

When you put it out for the Summer it will get enough light to produce more flowers that will be pollinated and produce fruit in the Fall. Around here they produce all year long, so you should be able to get some fruit in late Summer through Fall.

 

[Nasir]

It's great that you're trying to provide your indoor Meyer lemon tree with enough light through the use of LED lights! However, there are a few factors that could be causing the flowers to turn brown and fall off before producing fruit. Here are some potential causes and solutions:

• Lack of pollination - Indoor citrus trees rely on pollinators like bees to transfer pollen from the male to the female flowers in order to produce fruit. If your tree is not getting enough natural light, it may not be attracting enough pollinators. Try hand-pollinating the flowers by gently brushing the stamen of a male flower against the stigma of a female flower with a small brush or Q-tip.
• Overwatering - While Meyer lemon trees require regular watering, overwatering can cause root rot and lead to flower drop. Make sure the soil is well-draining and allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
• Nutrient deficiencies - Meyer lemon trees require certain nutrients to produce healthy fruit. Consider adding a citrus-specific fertilizer to the soil to ensure your tree is getting the nutrients it needs.
• Lack of humidity - Citrus trees prefer moderate to high humidity levels, so make sure your tree is getting enough moisture. You can increase the humidity by placing a tray of water near the tree or using a humidifier.
• Temperature fluctuations - Citrus trees are sensitive to temperature changes. Make sure the tree is not near any drafts or heating/cooling vents, and keep the room temperature relatively consistent.

By addressing these potential issues, you may be able to encourage your Meyer lemon tree to produce fruit. Remember that it can take up to a year or two for an indoor citrus tree to produce fruit, so be patient and keep caring for your tree!

For more info check out the following resource

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