Symptoms of an Overwatered Meyer Lemon

• Meyer lemons closely resemble true lemons in every way. lemons and lemon tree image by jc from Fotolia.com

  Meyer lemons are a cross between true lemons and mandarin oranges and possibly tamarinds, producing a fruit much like a lemon (but with less tartness and bitterness, and more sweetness). This has made the Meyer lemon very popular as a "gourmet lemon," as it is more palatable to many than standard lemons. While commonly planted in yards and patio containers, it does not ship well and so is not usually found in stores. Meyer lemons prefer well-drained soil and overwatering is a common problem.

Chlorosis

• Meyer lemons are like all the other members of the citrus family in that they prefer very well-drained soil and do not require excessive water. About 1 inch per week for mature trees is usually enough. Chlorosis, or leaf yellowing, is one common symptom of overwatering Meyer lemons and other citrus. Consistently overwatering will starve the roots of oxygen, which will lead to the leaves paling and yellowing. This can also make the tree more susceptible to disease or fungal infections.

Foot Rot

• Overwatering a Meyer lemon can cause foot rot, a fungal infection that attacks the roots and lower parts of the tree. Foot rot itself can cause the tree to have rotten bark near the ground. Trees with foot rot may also exhibit sparse foliage growth or leaves with yellowing veins.

Leaf Drop

• Overwatered Meyer lemon trees may also quickly lose most or all of their leaves while retaining fruit. This happens mostly in younger trees, and is also a symptom of foot rot, which is nearly always caused by overwatering.

Fruit Splitting

• Sometimes overwatering a Meyer lemon as a reaction to an extended dry spell can cause fruit to split on the tree; maintaining a steady, moderate watering regimen can prevent this problem.