Have you noticed that the leaves of your lemon tree are curling? This explains the reason for this phenomenon. Let’s take a look at all the details together. Lemon trees can be grown easily and conveniently, even by those with no experience in gardening. They can be grown both in the ground and in pots. Whether you have a garden or a balcony, you can grow lemons in your home.
This plant is evergreen and, therefore, will tend to keep leaf fall to a minimum even in winter and during the cold months of the year. It needs good sun exposure – at least 7-8 hours a day – and proper irrigation . During the summer months, it will be advisable to always provide the plant with the right amount of water.
If you notice that the soil is dry, it’s time to water the plant in the pot or in the garden. If the soil, on the other hand, is damp, it’s best not to water it. In the long run, the roots could rot.
Below, however, we want to shed light on a particular phenomenon that can be noticed in certain specific situations. Why can lemon tree leaves , in a certain sense, retract and curl up on themselves ? Here’s everything you need to know about this specific topic.
Curled Lemon Leaves: Here’s Why
The lemon tree —both in pots and in the garden—requires fairly fertile soil with excellent drainage. As expected, this citrus fruit suffers from waterlogging very consistently. It’s important to avoid its roots being submerged in a puddle for extended periods.
Lemon
The soil pH should therefore be between 6.5 and 7.5 as a guide. Specialist stores will provide advice on the right soil for growing lemons. Some are ideal for this plant and citrus fruits in general.
At what temperature should a lemon plant grow and thrive ? The lemon will thrive between approximately 10°C and 30°C. At different temperatures, however, it may suffer more from heat and cold. During the colder months of the year—when the temperature drops dangerously below about 5°C—it’s advisable to bring the potted plant outside. In the garden, however, the lemon can be optimally protected with plastic wrap.
Now, however, we come to the “mystery” that needs to be solved regarding lemon leaf curl. Why does all this happen ? Here’s the answer that will dispel all your doubts on the subject.
The explanation of the phenomenon
Those who are not too expert in the matter may be concerned by the obvious curling of lemon tree leaves . In this article, we want to clarify this specific topic, reassuring all readers about the real reasons for this phenomenon, which is only worrying on the surface. Curious to know why leaves curl? Here are the details.
Rolled lemon leaves
The rolled leaves are a natural self-defense mechanism of the plant in certain specific situations. In fact, when it receives several consecutive hours of sun, the lemon tree tends to minimize its water loss.
A sort of automatic defense against the sun and against a possible lack of hydration. As we have said, in fact, the lemon – especially during the summer and spring months – needs abundant irrigation. The curved leaves allow the lemon tree to limit exposure to the sun as much as possible , especially if it has not received water for some time and the soil is particularly dry.
The curling of the leaves is therefore completely normal. If you notice this phenomenon, the thing you will have to do is to supply your lemon tree with water . This phenomenon allows the lemon to protect itself longer and to survive even in the most “complicated” moments.
In some cases, it may therefore be advisable – if grown in a pot – to repot the plant . You can then transfer it to a larger vase. We hope we have managed to clear up any doubts you may have on this particular topic.