Did you know that it’s possible to create a lemon bonsai?
Lemons, just like oranges, fall into the category of citrus plants, and some of these plants can be turned into bonsai.
Several lemons and limes can become a bonsai, for example:
- True lemons (Citrus limon), like Eureka and Lisbon
- Meyer lemon
- Key lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia)
- Persian lime, also called Tahiti lime (Citrus × latifolia)
- Rangpur lime (Citrus × limonia)
As we’ve already discussed orange bonsai, today let’s talk about lemon bonsai.
Fun facts
Citrus trees are native to Southeast Asia, from northeastern India to southern China.
Their leaves are dark green and have a very noticeable shine.
Their flowers are white, often with a purple tinge on the outside of the petals and buds.
These flowers, in most cases, are fragrant and, after some time, are replaced by yellow fruits.
The size of the fruit depends on the variety, and it doesn’t shrink much with the tree, so a small bonsai can carry full-size lemons.
If you have children at home, be careful, as these bonsai can have thorns.
Below, we’ll learn a bit more about how to grow them.
How to grow a lemon bonsai
Just like the regular-sized lemon tree, growing this plant is extremely simple.
The only difficulty you’ll encounter is if you live in a colder region, because lemons prefer a warm climate.
Below, we will address the main topics you need to master to have a lemon bonsai:
- How to make a lemon bonsai from seeds
- Temperature
- Watering
- Fertilizing
- Pruning and wiring
- Propagation and repotting
- Pests and diseases
Follow the tips below to grow your lemon bonsai.
How to make a lemon bonsai from seeds
First, you need to learn how to grow lemon seedlings:
- Choose one of the citrus species mentioned at the beginning of this text
- Remove and clean the seeds
- Fill a shallow container with a well-draining citrus potting mix
- Plant the seeds at a depth of about 2 cm (3/4 inch)
- Place the container in a well-lit location where it receives adequate sunlight, and keep the soil moist.
- To keep the soil moist, follow this tip: when the top of the soil starts to dry out, it’s time to water.
- After 2 or 3 weeks, the seeds will begin to germinate
- When the seedlings start developing leaves, you can select the ones that will become a bonsai
- Replant the chosen seedlings into a larger pot
The second step is to wait for your seedlings to be about 1 year old to start the process of turning them into a bonsai.
To perform this procedure, follow the step-by-step instructions in the video below:
Some important observations:
- A lemon bonsai grown from seed can take 7 years or more to produce fruit, and the fruit may not be identical to the parent’s. Grafted trees bear fruit much sooner.
- When planting the seeds, it’s recommended to leave space between them to allow healthy growth. This will also allow you to choose the best seedling to create your bonsai.
- Although it’s a time-consuming process, growing a lemon bonsai from seeds can be an economical option to have a beautiful bonsai specimen at home.
Temperature
As previously mentioned, lemons prefer warmer temperatures and love direct sunlight.
In warm climates, you can keep your lemon bonsai outdoors in full sun all year round.
In colder areas, keep it outside from late spring to early fall and bring it indoors (or into a greenhouse) when temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F).
Indoors, place it in the sunniest spot of the house or use a grow light.
Watering
Watering is another extremely simple factor when it comes to taking care of a lemon bonsai.
The first thing you should know is that they don’t like to be waterlogged, so keep that in mind.
They don’t like constantly wet soil.
It’s recommended to water, wait for the soil to dry for a short period of time, and then water again.
Water thoroughly, until water drains from the holes in the pot.
Too much water can cause yellow or falling leaves (see our guide on bonsai problems).
Important observations:
- As mentioned above, during germination, the soil should remain moist; however, during the adult phase of your plant, a short period with dry soil is recommended.
- The frequency of watering in the summer is higher than in the winter.
- If possible, use rainwater or water low in lime.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is necessary for these plants because, in a small pot, they have no natural source of nutrients.
For example, in nature, a lemon tree can feed on the decomposition of leaves and animals near its roots, but in a pot, this is no longer possible.
It’s recommended that you choose a fertilizer specially designed for citrus plants.
Use a liquid citrus fertilizer every 1 to 2 weeks from spring to fall, and once a month in winter, following the dosage on the label.
Pruning and wiring
Pruning should be done regularly to achieve good branching, and lemon bonsai is no exception.
As pruning is a slightly more complex process to explain in words, watch the video below:
As for wiring, it can be done throughout the year, just be cautious not to cut the bark.
Propagation and repotting
Lemon bonsai can be propagated in two ways:
- From seeds
- From cuttings
As for repotting, it should be done every 2 or 3 years, in spring, always trimming the roots.
When putting your lemon bonsai back into the pot, remember that they prefer slightly acidic soil.
Pests and diseases
Just like any other plant, your bonsai can be attacked by pests and diseases.
In lemon bonsai, the main pests are:
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
- Mealybugs
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Citrus leafminer
For this reason, I recommend that you read the article on pests and diseases in bonsai, where you’ll find several tips on how to combat and prevent the majority of these problems.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve learned a lot about growing lemon bonsai. Now it’s up to you; practice what you’ve learned from this article with your plants.
And if you’d like to know more, here are 2 interesting facts:
- Lemon bonsai don’t follow a single style: they are usually shaped in the informal upright style or other free-form styles.
- The Meyer lemon can be a great bonsai option for those living in colder areas.
We also have several other articles that can help you grow bonsai. For example, our guides on boxwood bonsai, jabuticaba bonsai, pomegranate bonsai and mulberry bonsai.
Sources: University of Florida IFAS Extension and UC Riverside Citrus Variety Collection.
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