Young lemon trees in particular are very keen to grow - provided the conditions are good in terms of temperature, water and fertilizer. The strong roots have also spread quickly in the pot, so that if possible, transplanting with fresh substrate into a larger pot should take place at least once a year. With our step-by-step instructions, this is very easy.
Choose the right time for repotting
Due to their rapid growth, young lemon trees should be repotted once a year until they are four to five years old. Perennial plants are happy about a move every two to (at the latest!) three years and acknowledge a larger pot and new substrate with many new shoots and flowers. At best, you should transplant at the end of the winter break or at the beginning of the vegetation period, because at this point the roots start to grow again so that they can immediately grow into the new, fresh soil.
Why shouldn't I repot in the fall?
On the other hand, transplanting in autumn makes little sense because the roots are already preparing for hibernation and their activities are severely restricted or even completely inactive. The new nutrients from the fresh substrate are only washed out by the subsequent watering and can therefore no longer be used by the plant.
The step-by-step instructions for repotting
However, before you can start transplanting, you should first make some important preparations. You need:
- a new pot (diameter one third more than root ball)
- fresh substrate
- Expanded clay (19.73€) / small pebbles
- a watering can with stale or rainwater
And this is how transplanting works - step by step:
- Loosen the roots stuck to the walls of the pot by tapping on the walls and bottom of the pot
- Pull the pot off the root ball
- You can lay larger trees on their side to make it easier to peel off
- Loosen the root ball and remove excess substrate
- Remove any weeds and pests
- Fill the new pot with a layer of pebbles
- If necessary, mix new citrus soil or use commercially available ones
- Now put a layer of earth on the pebbles, about two to three centimeters thick
- Put the root ball inside
- Fill it all over with soil
- The root ball should be the same height in the pot as before
- Work thoroughly with your fingers
- Finally knock a few more times on the pot wall, this will allow the earth to trickle into the last cavities
- Water the plant vigorously
tips and tricks
If the plants have been in a very firm and/or loamy substrate, the bale should be placed in a water tub overnight so that the soil can be washed out. From time to time shake the bales vigorously in the water.