Ask the Plant Doctor! Growing a healthy lemon tree

Lemon trees require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Photo: 123rf

The lack of blooms or fruit on lemon trees could be due to root issues. Trees planted in pots, such as a 3ft-wide by 2.5ft-deep container, may become root-bound, causing their roots to tightly wrap around the pot’s interior, making it difficult for the tree to absorb water and nutrients. As the lemon tree grows, the limited soil cannot meet its nutritional needs, and the compacted roots restrict airflow, causing stress to the tree. A simple examination of the roots can confirm this issue. If these signs are present, transferring the tree to a larger pot with fresh soil would be beneficial.

Watering habits also play a significant role. Both under- and over-watering can cause stress in trees, with over-watering often leading to root rot due to poor aeration. Common mistakes to encourage a non-fruiting tree to bloom are supplying excessive amounts of water or watering only after the soil has been left to dry out. Moderation is key to watering. The soil should always feel moist and not too wet or dry.