How to hibernate the lemon tree in a pot so that it does not lose a single leaf

Lemon, orange or mandarin trees create a Mediterranean atmosphere on the balcony or terrace. However, These pretty potted trees are not made for cold fall and winter days.

So what can be done when the first frost is imminent? Should we bring the lemon tree into the warm living room? We explain where citrus love to spend the winter.

What is the best place for a lemon tree in autumn and winter?

Like all citrus fruits, the lemon tree is a heat-loving plant. It can handle cool temperatures without any problem, but when the temperature drops below freezing it becomes a danger.

As the lemon tree is the most resistant plant, you should move it to a suitable winter quarters from the first night frost. There are two ways to spend the winter in the lemon tree: with heat and light, or with darkness and cold. This distinguishes them from other Mediterranean plants such as the oleander or the olive tree, which prefer to spend the winter in bright and cool places.

Tips for hibernating a lemon tree

Citrus should not be introduced into the home prematurely. It is best to leave it outside until the temperatures outside are close to freezing. Because? Because the last rays of the sun in autumn are important for the plant to store energy for the winterIf you wish, you can prune the lemon tree before moving it to its winter destination. Pruning encourages the crown to be bushier and wider. Check it to discover possible diseases and pestsChanging location too often means stress for the plant, in addition the lemon tree does not like temperature fluctuations either.If the lemon tree still has green fruits, it is not a problem, green lemons remain on the tree throughout the winter and continue to ripen the following spring

Hibernate a lemon tree in the living room

A temperature of 10 to 15 degrees is ideal for the lemon tree. If you don’t have such a room in your house, also you can hibernate the lemon tree in the living room, but it is important that there is a natural relationship between temperature and light.

Daylight is not enough for the lemon tree in most living spaces. The exception is a place under a large skylight or near a south-facing window.

With the help of a special lamp for plants, you can increase light intensity to make sure the plant gets through the winter well. The plant must be illuminated daily for at least six hours.

If your lemon tree spends the winter in a warm place, it will continue to grow normally and will therefore need water and fertilizer regularly.

The problem is that the lemon tree is very susceptible to mealybugs if the heating air is very dry. Important to prevent an infestation is to ventilate daily and mist the tree regularly with water.

Cold for the lemon tree in winter

If you hibernate the lemon tree in a cool and dark place, you must make sure that the plant is not completely in the dark. An unheated greenhouse (necessarily with shady windows to protect the lemon tree from strong sunlight) or a garage with a small window is optimal.

You must insulate the pot against the cold of the soil. A thick Styrofoam plate is suitable for this. Lemon trees that remain cold in winter need little water.

Leaf fall in winter, what is the problem?

If the lemon tree loses its leaves in winter, it is usually due to a problem between light and temperature. If he is in a cool room (for example, a cool greenhouse) and is in hibernation, it can happen that he receives so much light and heat on sunny days that photosynthesis starts. This increases their need for water.

However, since the roots are still dormant, increased water requirements cannot be met. As a result, the lemon tree loses its leaves. Therefore, make sure that the lemon tree is not exposed to excessive temperature fluctuations.

When will the lemon tree be able to go out on the balcony or terrace again?

Lemon trees can go out into the garden or balcony again when there are no more night frosts. After a long time without direct sun, citrus are sensitive. Do not place the lemon tree exposed to direct sunlight to avoid burns at the top of the leaves.