With its shiny, dark green leaves, fragrant white flowers and - if cared for well - lots of yellow lemons, the lemon tree is a popular ornamental plant from which you can also harvest ripe fruit from time to time. Contrary to many claims, however, keeping them exclusively in the home is only possible with appropriate care.
How do I care for a lemon tree as a houseplant?
A lemon tree as a houseplant needs a lot of light, ideally in a large south-facing window or in a winter garden. Make sure there is sufficient humidity, avoid waterlogging and use lime-free water and nitrogen-containing liquid fertilizer.
Lemons need a lot of light
One of the main problems is the lemon tree's immense need for light - especially in winter. Lemons come from the subtropics, where it is warm and humid all year round and the sun always shines. If the lemon tree is in the apartment, it needs a bright location, if possible directly next to a large window facing south. A place in a sunny winter garden is also ideal. When there is a lack of light, the tree often sheds leaves or their color remains quite pale. If you have the impression that your tree is not getting enough light, you should install an additional plant lamp (€79.00 on Amazon).
Lack of light even in bright apartments
The lack of light is particularly problematic in winter because, on the one hand, the winter hours of sunshine cannot cover the plant's light needs and, on the other hand, what little light there is is also filtered through window panes. What appears bright to us humans can be far too dark for a lemon tree.
Dry air attracts pests
Furthermore, the humidity in the apartment is usually too low, which in turn attracts pests such as spider mites or scale insects. You can increase the humidity by regularly spraying the lemon tree all around with water and also airing it often. However, make sure that the plant is not in a draft, lemons don't like that at all.
Watering lemons properly
When it comes to water requirements, the lemon tree is a real mimosa: it neither likes too much water nor too little. You should definitely avoid waterlogging, otherwise the roots can rot. When watering, it is best to proceed as follows:
- When watering, only use lime-free water such as: B. Rainwater.
- If you don't have this to hand, let the tap water stand for a few days - the lime will settle at the bottom.
- The right time for watering has come when the surface of the substrate has dried (finger test!).
- Now pour so vigorously that the water flows out of the holes at the bottom of the pot.
- Check coasters and planters regularly for excess water and remove it.
- Add a nitrogen-containing liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water every two to three weeks.
Tips & Tricks
In summer, lemons are best kept in a bright, wind-protected location in the garden, on the terrace or on the balcony.
