A small balcony corner can be brightened up by planting flowers, but some prefer to grow vegetables and herbs such as mint, rosemary, lemon, and chili peppers to spice up their family meals.
If you’re growing lemons on your balcony but they’re not thriving, producing little to no fruit, pay attention to these four factors.
1. Plant in a Large Pot
For balcony lemon trees, opt for a pot that’s slightly larger, about 25% bigger than the root clump. Avoid extremely large or small pots as the former can cause waterlogging and root rot, while the latter restricts root growth, stunting the plant’s overall growth and fruit-bearing capacity.
As for soil, lemons thrive in various soils, but a well-drained, sandy loam rich in organic matter is ideal. Mix soil with a ratio of 50-60% topsoil and the rest with a growing medium and organic fertilizer.
2. Provide Ample Sunlight
Caring for potted lemon trees is straightforward, even simpler than tending to most flowers. Lemons are resilient and heat-tolerant.
Ensure your potted lemon tree receives ample sunlight by placing it in a sunny spot, as they require 7-8 hours of sunlight daily. There’s no need to shade them during summer; abundant sunshine promotes growth, flowering, and fruiting.
3. Fertilize Correctly and Adequately
Lemon trees are vigorous growers, so frequent fertilizing isn’t necessary. However, during their active growth period, regular nutrient supplementation is beneficial.
In spring, top-dress the pot with organic fertilizer, adjusting the amount based on the pot size. Avoid over-fertilization. After flower buds appear, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer—either potassium dihydrogen phosphate or huaduoduo No. 2—diluted in water at a ratio of 1:1000, and water it into the roots to increase fruit set.
4. Regularly Prune
During the growth period, practice prudent pruning, removing weak and overcrowded branches. This encourages stronger growth and enhances flowering and fruiting.
Additionally, refrain from overwatering your potted lemon tree to prevent root rot. Instead, water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry.
Source: Nguoiduatin
Ancestor’s advice: “3 auspicious trees, this prosperous garden, bring fortune and luck to your home this spring”
In ancient times, it was believed that the Buddha’s hand tree was a fortunate plant in feng shui, bringing peace and prosperity to the household.
