Potted Lemon Tree Decline After Repotting: Water Management Critical

7-Year-Old Seed-Grown Lemon in CT: Yellow Leaves After Pot Crack

Repotted into 2× larger pot last fall; leaves dry, drop, now yellowing regardless of watering. White ring in saucer was standing water → root rot risk.

Key Issues

• Overpottting → soil stays wet too long.
• Standing water in saucer → root rot (citrus rots in 15+ min standing water).
• Yellow leaves = underwatering (from fear of rot) OR overwatering (rot).

Correction

1. Empty saucer within 15 min of watering.
2. Water at base, then around pot edge (pots dry outside-in).
3. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap for possible pests.
4. Fertilize lightly with citrus formula.

Fruiting

Seed-grown lemons may never fruit or take 10+ years. Thorns indicate juvenile growth.