Hi,

I am from Mumbai, India. I have got a four year old lemon tree growing in a container. In the first year when I brought it flowered profusely and there was lots of fruits. Now after two years it again started flowering, but it is not so profuse as it was in the first year. Three flowers fell down and now there is only one small lemon. What is the cuase for flower fall and decreased flowers? Please help.

Mani

The problem surely is in the container. (1) Have you maintained a regular fertilizing schedule for the tree. (2) In the last 2-3 years since you purchased the tree have you ever transplanted the tree into a larger container or at least root pruned the root system? If you have done neither the tree is surely root bound. (3) Do you flush out the soluble salts once every 3-4 month? (4) what is the ingredients of the potting mix? After two and a half years it must be compacted if you have taken no steps to maintain excellent aeration and drainage. With answers to the above question, we should be able to help the tree.