Plant Library

Lemon Tree Care Guide

Citrus limon (incl. 'Improved Meyer', Citrus × meyeri)

By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated 6 Nov 2026 · How we research · Report an error

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A potted lemon tree gives you fragrant flowers and real fruit, and the Meyer lemon is the variety most often sold for containers. Indoors it needs the brightest spot you have, and most do better outdoors in summer.

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Light

Full sun: 6-8+ hours; a south window, outdoors in summer. Rotate the pot every few weeks so growth stays even.

Water

Deeply when the top 2 in is dry. Always use a pot with drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering. Plants use far less water in winter.

Humidity and temperature

Humidity: average to medium. 65-75°F (18-24°C) by day and 55-65°F (13-18°C) at night; most citrus is damaged below 32°F (0°C), so bring it in before frost.

Soil and feeding

Use a general-purpose, cactus and succulent, or citrus potting mix with good drainage, and repot into fresh mix about every three years. Container citrus needs regular feeding, especially nitrogen: look for a fertilizer with a 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio.

Our tip

Hand-pollinate indoor flowers with a small paintbrush if no insects can reach them; that is often the difference between flowers and fruit.

Common problems

• Dropping leaves: Too little light or a sudden move indoors.
• Yellow leaves: Usually a nutrient shortage; feed with a citrus fertilizer.
• Flowers but no fruit: No pollinators indoors.

Pets

Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA lists lemon, Citrus limonia). Check the ASPCA plant list. If a pet chews it and shows symptoms, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Check any plant in our Pet-Safe Plant Checker.