Lime and lemon trees are quite similar in many ways - including care. No wonder, since 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. Mostly it is a matter of maintenance mistakes.
Newly purchased lime sheds leaves
If you have just bought your lime and it is already shedding its leaves, then that is no reason to worry - even if the tree may even lose a lot or even almost all of the leaves. This is annoying, but perfectly normal. The lime tree has been exposed to a lot of stress - a change of location, maybe a car trip, temperature differences etc. - and reacts to this by shedding its leaves. However, you do not need to be afraid, after a while the tree will reliably sprout again.
How can I prevent the sheet shedding after shopping?
Unfortunately, it can hardly be prevented that your newly bought lime tree throws its leaves away in shock. However, you can reduce the stress - and thus the risk of leaf dropping. For example, you should not repot your new tree right away, even if the pot seems too small to you. Instead, place the sapling in a sunny, sheltered place and leave it alone for the time being - that is, do not twist and turn the pot.
Lack of water / waterlogging
Another reason for dropping the leaves is improper use of water. Both too much and too little water can eventually cause the lime tree to lose its leaves. In particular in the case of waterlogging, i. H. if - to put it bluntly - the little 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 cared for and the lime throws off 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.
- Provide good drainage in the pot, e.g. B. by a layer of expanded clay several centimeters thick
- Place the pot on a saucer or in a bowl that will allow excess water to drain away
- Regularly remove the water from it!
- Water only when the top layer of soil has dried
tips and tricks
Furthermore, the lime tree often sheds its leaves during the winter quarters, especially towards the end of it. The reason for this is usually a lack of light, which you can remedy with a special plant lamp (€21.99).
IJA