Is this a lemon tree?

mchua

Hi there, my mum planted this some time ago, but used soil from the garden which had all sorts of wild things in it judging from the state of the pot. The root is also poking out the top.  The leaves have a citrusy aroma if I rub them between my fingers, it also has spines on the branches. Is it a lemon tree. 

I’m a bit wary of repotting this time of year, can I save this?  I have some JI3 as it looks mature.

Thanks again

Obelixx

Whatever it is it needs a good soaking to loosen up the root ball and then those other plants removed and potted up or planted out.   It can then be put back in that same pot with fresh compost to fill up the gaps left by removing the other stuff.

If it is a lemon it will be needing regular watering over winter, shelter from the cold and also feeding thru autumn and winter with a special citrus feed high in potassium and phosphate to promote a healthy plant and flowers and fruits.  Round about April/May, switch to a high nitrogen feed to promote healthy leaves. 

mchua

Thank you.  I wanted to wait for the growing season to start before repotting.  Will it be safe to do it now?

It is a citrus of some kind as I recognise the leaves are staggered along the stems. 

ponicsarea7jvaaEU4

It looks like a lemon tree but maybe I'm wrong.. take care of it until you start seeing some fruits then you'll know for sure

Obelixx

You could have cleaned it up and re-potted it back in October so get it done asap! 

Water well first and then re-pot with good John Innes no 3 loam based compost and water well after re-potting.   Remember the deeding regime indicated above.

mchua

All done.  Thank you for your advice. Noted the regime. 

Joyce Goldenlily

mchua said:

All done.  Thank you for your advice. Noted the regime. 

If you bruise one of the leaves with your fingernail you will be able to smell which citrus it is.