How to revive potted lemon tree?

jigisanghvi

Hi, 

I live in Brunswick West.

My lemon tree initially lost most of its trees due to underwatering. This stems never got the leaves back.

I'm using the Osmote citrus tree potting mix, in spring feeding my tree with seasol and I'm also spraying the plant with insect spray.

The new leaves continue to be eaten, the fruit has dark spot, and half the plant doesn't have leaves. 

    

JacobZ

Hi @jigisanghvi,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Your lemon tree definitely looks to be having a rough time at the moment.

Are you aware of what specific species of lemon tree this is? Also, a rough estimate of its age? 

It is clear that something is eating your lemon tree leaves, but have you seen what it is? Is it small bugs, or caterpillars? If you had any photos, it would certainly help our members to advise a method of preventing further insect attacks.

Due to its poor health, the first thing you should do is remove any fruit and prune dead growth. At present, due to the condition of your plant, directing energy towards fruiting and redundant growth is not in its long-term interests. Removing the fruit and dead growth will direct the tree's energy towards more important things such as redeveloping leaf cover.

I'd suggest pruning the low branches back by around a third of their length. This will encourage new growth from these stems which will hopefully develop leaves over time.

I'd then suggest applying a citrus fertilizer such as Scotts Osmocote 500g Citrus and Fruit Controlled Release Fertiliser as opposed to Seasol. Seasol is what's called a plant tonic. It gives a quick boost to the plant, however, it does not give extended nutrients like a slow-release fertilizer will.

I'll tag @Noelle, our resident horticultural expert to see what she would advise in terms of pruning, fertiliser and insecticides.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob