Prized for their unique, interesting stature and their tiny edible, fruit, the bonsai lemon tree can make a striking addition to any backyard. In a natural environment, these trees can grow to an astonishing 20 feet and often thrive well in sunlight. Taking care of a bonsai is not as hard as it may seem if you put several things in mind.
How to Take Care of Your Bonsai Lemon Tree
- Water the tree frequently – Generally, water is important for the growth and survival of any plant, and this bonsai is not an exception. Irrigate the small tree deeply and infrequently so as to allow the soil to dry slightly in between irrigations. Be sure to apply water until it begins running out of the bottom holes of the tree pot. Every time before watering, make certain to measure the soil’s moisture to avoid over-watering. You should monitor the soil’s moisture level on a daily basis, especially during the summer so that the bonsai doesn’t dry out. Never allow the soil to completely dry.
- Know when to apply fertilizer – Feed your bonsai lightly during the growing season with a fertilizer designed for citrus growth. Always apply according to the manufacturer’s directions. Never apply fertilizer during the fall & winter months.
- Trim – This bonsai should be trimmed lightly throughout its growing. Carefully thin out the interior branches & stems to increase light penetration and air circulation throughout the tree. Get rid of any vigorously growing shoots or suckers that don’t accommodate the tree’s shape.
- Ensure there’s enough warmth and sunlight – Place the lemon tree in a relatively warm, sunny location. Choose an area that receives a minimum eight hours of full sunlight every day and one with fairly warm temperatures at night (no lower than 55 degrees F). Lemon trees are cold tender so bring the tree indoors when temperatures near these temperatures.
- Prune – Towards the end of the dormancy period, hard-prune your potted lemon tree using sharp pruning shears. Remove all ailing and broken or unwanted branches and stems.
- Repotting – You should repot your bonsai when its root system has filled its pot. The aim for this is to supply the tree with fertile and fresh soil as well as encourage a more compact root growth. Repotting should be done around mid-summer and the tree, along with the soil, should be removed from the pot. Remove the outer & bottom most fourth of your tree’s root mass by raking soil away and then pruning back the roots. Once done, place your bonsai lemon tree back in the original pot or another filled with new, fresh soil.
Overall the principles for taking care for bonsai lemon tree are not vastly different from any other bonsai out there. Practise these few steps and you will have beautiful lemons on your bonsai in no time.