How often should I water my lemon tree?

Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil moisture first. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still wet.

Can I save a tree with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh, dry soil.

Lemon: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger 5 centimeters into the soil to check for moisture.
Lift the pot to see if water is pooling in the saucer.
Gently pull the tree out of the pot to inspect the root color.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and drop, and the soil feels soggy or smells sour. The roots will look mushy and dark instead of firm and white.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 5 centimeters of soil dry out. If the rot is severe, repot the tree into fresh, well draining soil and trim away the black, mushy roots.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot may lack drainage holes or the soil mix is too dense.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Mix perlite or coarse sand into your potting soil to improve airflow.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lemon

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the roots are black and smell like rotting vegetation, the plant is in critical condition. If the roots are still firm and white, you can save it by adjusting your watering.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top few centimeters of soil feel dry before watering again. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Lemon: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lemon and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How often should I water my lemon tree?: Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil moisture first. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still wet.
Can I save a tree with root rot?: Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh, dry soil.

Why is my lemon tree looking sick and the soil stays wet?