Are you the proud new owner of a Lemon tree, or a soon-to-be Lemon tree parent?
If so, you’ve got a few things to learn unless you’ve previously cared for one including how much and often to water it.
Below, we discuss the answer to how much water Lemon trees need, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about watering Lemon trees.
How Much Water Does a Lemon Tree Need?
Depending on the weather, humidity, time of the season, another other crucial factors, Lemon trees typically require a full watering every five days to one week (about five inches of water per month). The best way to tell if your Lemon tree needs water is by checking the top few inches of its soil for moisture.
Consider the Surrounding Environment
As with any other plant, people are regularly growing, the Lemon tree is no exception that you shouldn’t take the surrounding environment of the plant into consideration when watering it.
There are slight but crucial differences between having a Lemon tree planted directly in the soil or in a pot. One is that you have more control over the soil and its contents if it is in a pot. Likewise, you can easily bring your tree indoors during storms and cold weather.
The type of Lemon tree is not to be underestimated as one of the main factors that go into how much water it needs. The climate, air humidity, and type of the soil are a few of the biggest factors that determine how much water outside Lemon trees need.
Watering Lemon Trees in the Ground
Generally, Lemon trees need to be planted in soil with a good drainage system but that’s not always the case. Again, paying attention to individual species and doing your homework is always smart if you expect to successfully cultivate Lemon trees.
Most Lemon trees prefer well-drained soil, but If that’s not the case with your Lemon tree, be careful with your watering. One thorough watering per week is typically enough if there was no rain for at least five days in a row.
Nicely soak the tree each time you water it. Watch the water soak into the ground so you can be sure that the roots get enough water. Applying fertilizer to Lemon trees is also suggested.
When to Water Lemon Trees
As for a lemon tree grown in a container, water it when the soil looks dry. That means your potted Lemon tree needs to be checked regularly for moisture. Do so by sticking your fingers in the soil about two to three inches.
If the dirt is completely dry it’s time to water the tree again. If there’s enough moisture that some of the dirt sticks to your fingers, your tree doesn’t need water yet.
Watering Young Lemon trees
After planting a new Lemon tree and performing additional care such as securing it to a stake, or potting it, keep watering it every other day. After about two to three weeks pass, it should begin to develop nice and healthy roots.
Once the first month passes, the Lemon tree requires a twice per week watering schedule for a few months. In its second or third year, the tree should be satisfied with a watering every five days to one week.
Proper Lemon Tree Watering Technique
If you haven’t already tried it, using a watering hose is an easy way to ensure that your Lemon tree is getting enough water. That way you don’t have to lug around a bucket or watering can.
For outdoors Lemon trees that are planted in the ground, aim the hose about a foot or two from the trunk and let it flow for approximately 20 to 30 seconds.
You may also install a drip system or a soaker hose and connect it to a timer. If so, setting the timer for 30-minute intervals every five days is suggested.
If you’re watering a potted Lemon tree, set the hose on slow flow and put it in the pot (not too close to the trunk). Keep an eye on the pot while the water flows for several seconds to a few minutes.
When you notice that water is getting out through the holes on the bottom of the pot, turn the hose off.
Never spray the tree directly due to the possibility of causing sunburns or the development of disease or bacteria.
Further, using a watering can or bucket for watering Lemon trees will be just fine also. Buckets and watering cans will probably need to be refilled to provide enough moisture to the tree and root system, however.
Avoid Overwatering with Lemon Trees
If the Lemon tree is losing its leaves that previously turned to be yellow, that means it was most likely overwatered. In that case, let the soil dry out completely before watering it again.
To prevent overwatering, keep an eye on your water usage and make sure that the soil has a good drainage system in place. Also, If a tree is planted directly in the ground, count rain as watering.
Avoid Underwatering
Whatever you do, never allow your Lemon tree to miss its regular watering schedule if you can help it. These trees can go from doing well to looking like they are half-past dead real quick due to underwatering.
You will be quick to notice the main sign of underwatering if you’re even semi-observant as the leaves may soon begin falling off. The more time the tree spends without water, the more leaves it will quickly lose.
Keep Watering Even If Leaves Fall Off
If your Lemon tree is suffering leaf drop, it is most likely due to overwatering or underwatering. In either case, you need to keep watering as needed. The leaves of your tree will grow back with time, so don’t sweat it.
That said, when leaves fall off of Lemon trees, it’s time to slow down and take notice of why it happened. It if is overwatered, let it air out before watering. If underwatering is the case, water it right away.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.