Lime and lemon trees are quite similar in many ways - including care. That's no wonder, as the lime is the “little sister” of the lemon. If the lime tree loses leaves, this is usually an indication that the tree is or has been exposed to stress. These are usually care errors.
Why is my lime tree losing leaves?
A lime tree loses leaves due to stress, incorrect handling of water (lack of water or waterlogging) and lack of light. To solve the problem, you should place the tree in a sunny spot, adjust the watering behavior and, if necessary, use special plant lamps.
Newly purchased lime drops leaves
If you have just bought your lime and it is already shedding its leaves, then there is no reason to worry - even if the tree may even lose a lot or almost all of its leaves. This is annoying, but completely normal. The lime tree has been exposed to a lot of stress - a change of location, perhaps a car journey, temperature differences, etc. - and reacts to this by shedding its leaves. However, you don't need to be afraid, after a while the tree will sprout again.
How can I prevent leaves from falling off after shopping?
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to prevent your newly purchased lime tree from throwing off its leaves in shock. However, you can reduce the stress - and thus the risk of leaf drop. For example, you shouldn't repot your new tree straight away, even if the pot seems too small to you. Instead, place the tree in a sunny, protected place and leave it alone for the time being - that is, do not turn or turn the pot.
Lack of water / waterlogging
Another reason for the leaves falling off is due to incorrect handling of water. Both too much and too little water can eventually cause the lime tree to lose its leaves. Especially when there is waterlogging, i.e. H. If – to put it bluntly – the tree gets its feet wet, it becomes dangerous. Waterlogging causes the roots to rot, the above-ground parts of the plant can no longer be properly supplied and the lime therefore throws away all its ballast. In such a case, only repotting with a root cut will help.
- Cut away any rotten root parts.
- Place the lime in fresh substrate, preferably citrus soil.
- Ensure good drainage in the pot, e.g. B. through a layer of expanded clay several centimeters thick
- Place the pot on a saucer or in a bowl where excess water can drain away
- Remove the water from it regularly!
- Only water when the top layer of soil has already dried out
Tips & Tricks
Furthermore, the lime tree often sheds its leaves during winter quarters, especially towards the end. The cause of this is usually a lack of light, which you can remedy with a special plant lamp (€79.00 on Amazon).
