Hello all,

My daughter sprouted two lemon trees from seeds last spring. We potted both last summer. One did not survive the winter (we had both inside). The other, shown here, survived. I re-potted it in a larger pot in a citrus-plant soil once the weather turned warm here and it has remained outside, on our back porch since evening times rose above 50 degrees. I thought the plant was healthy and thriving, and even sprouted new leaves a few weeks ago, but over the last few days, it has dropped six leaves and appears to be on the same course as the one we lost previously.

I know over-watering may be an issue, so I'm backing off on that. I "thought" it was getting enough sun on the back porch, but perhaps not? I've started to relocate the plant into full sun in hopes that it will recover. I'm desperate to keep this little lemon tree alive and welcome any advice or suggestions. Would like to know how much/often water this little plant should receive and if it is ok for it to remain in full sun.

Yes, you are probably overwatering. Don't water until the soil feels dry a finger's depth down. Have you fertilized? If not, find some citrus fertilizer and give the tree a very light dose (about 1/4 the recommended dose).

If you have a porch or other sheltered spot, you may be able to keep it outside year round (with a little protection on extra cold nights.

I insert a finger to the depth of 3-6 inches to check the soil moisture. If it is still moist or is soggy then wait for a few more days before watering the tree. I place the pot to get more than 6 hours of direct sun. Soggy soil causes nutrient deficiencies at first and root rot if it continues for an expanded amount of time.

I'm definitely over-watering, lol...poor thing is drowning...I've been soaking it about every other day or whenever I start to see the soil getting light in color...

Will keep the soil check/measurements in mind. It is getting a lot more full sun now as well...probably close to 6 or 7 hours each day.