With its shiny, dark green leaves, fragrant white flowers and - with good care - many 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 indoors is only possible with the appropriate care.
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 right next to a large south-facing window. A place in a sunny conservatory 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 (€21.99).
Lack of light even in a bright apartment
The lack of light is particularly problematic in winter, because on the one hand the wintry hours of sunshine cannot cover the light requirements of the plant and on the other hand the little light is additionally filtered through window panes. What appears light to us humans can already 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 over with water and airing it often. However, make sure that the plant is not in a draft, lemons do not like that at all.
Pour lemons properly
When it comes to water requirements, the lemon tree is a real mimosa: it likes neither too much water nor too little. You should definitely avoid waterlogging, otherwise the roots can rot. It is best to proceed as follows when pouring:
- Use only lime-free water for watering, e.g. e.g. rainwater.
- If you don't have this to hand, leave the tap water for a few days - the limescale will settle to the bottom.
- The right time for watering has come when the substrate has dried on the surface (finger test!).
- Now pour so vigorously that the water flows out of the holes at the bottom of the pot.
- Regularly check coasters and planters for excess water and remove it.
- Add a nitrogenous liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water every two to three weeks.
tips and tricks
In summer, lemons are best kept in a bright, wind-protected spot in the garden, on the patio or on the balcony.