Keeping your lemon tree (*Citrus x limon*) hydrated is absolutely vital for its survival. You’ll want to keep a close eye on it to see when it’s feeling thirsty, especially during those scorching summer months when your little tree is soaking up the direct sun.
Watering Your Lemon Tree
How often and how much water your lemon tree needs really comes down to two main things:
- Its size
- The time of year
Younger plants naturally need smaller amounts of water than big, established trees, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t thirsty! One thing to keep in mind: lemon trees are incredibly sensitive to overwatering. Giving them too much love (in the form of water) can actually lead to root rot and kill the plant. While they aren’t huge fans of drying out either, they generally handle a little drought much better than “wet feet.”
Summer Watering Tips
Once mid-May rolls around and you move your lemon tree out onto the balcony, it’s going to want a spot with full sun. If you can give it that prime real estate, be prepared for a thirsty plant! On hot days, I recommend checking the soil every morning and evening. Usually, when the weather is that warm, your tree will need a good drink every single day.
However, if the forecast calls for heavy or constant rain, try to protect your citrus plant. Too much rain can actually “drown” the tree, so it’s a good idea to move it under a porch or a roof overhang until the storm passes.
Winter Watering Tips
Generally speaking, lemon trees need way less water in the winter because the heat isn’t sapping their moisture. Exactly how much water they’ll need depends on the conditions in their winter quarters.
Cold Overwintering
If you’re keeping your lemon tree in a cold spot (between 40°F and 50°F), it might actually stop growing for a bit. In this dormant state, it needs very little water. You don’t want it to bone-dry, though—just give it a splash when the soil feels very dry to the touch.
If your lemon tree happens to drop all its leaves, you can actually stop watering altogether. In that case, it won’t need a drink again until February or March when things start warming up in its winter home.
Warm Overwintering
If your tree is spending the winter inside at room temperature, it’s going to need regular watering. Dry indoor heating can make it pretty thirsty! Just be careful not to overdo it. The best rule of thumb here is to water the tree whenever the top layer of soil feels dry.
