Meyer lemon Citrus × limon 'Meyer' (F)
ABOUT
The Meyer lemon tree is a fruit-bearing tree known for its decorative and attractive nature, with a rounder shape and deep yellow to orange-hued fruit when ripe. The leaves are a glossy rich green, which provide a beautiful contrast to the bright fruit color. The lemons themselves are slightly smaller than the more common varieties and have a smooth, thin skin that is fragrant and soft to the touch. The tree produces white flowers with a purple base that are sweetly scented, adding to its ornamental qualities. The Meyer lemon's fruit is known for its sweeter, less acidic flavor compared to its more common relatives, making it a popular choice for culinary use. Overall, the appearance of the Meyer lemon tree is lush and vibrant, with a generous production of fruit and pleasantly aromatic flowers that add beauty and utility to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rutaceae
Synonyms
Meyer Lemon, Improved Meyer Lemon
Common names
Citrus meyeri, Citrus × meyeri.
ToxicityTo humans
The Meyer lemon is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Eating the fruit in moderate amounts is safe, but consuming large quantities of the leaves or other plant parts, or using concentrated essential oils from the citrus plant, could potentially cause stomach upset or discomfort. Prolonged skin contact with the plant juice may occasionally cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. However, typical culinary use of Meyer lemons is widely regarded as safe.
To pets
The Meyer lemon is considered to be of low toxicity to pets. However, ingestion of large amounts of the plant material, particularly the leaves or stems, could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in some pets. The essential oils and psoralens in the plant may also cause sensitivities in some animals if ingested in significant quantities. It is generally a good practice to prevent pets from consuming non-food plants to avoid potential problems.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Uses: Meyer lemon is a popular ingredient in cooking and baking, known for its sweeter and less acidic flavor, which adds a unique taste to dishes and desserts.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its dark green leaves, fragrant flowers, and bright yellow fruit, Meyer lemon trees are often used as ornamental plants in landscaping and indoor decor.
- Natural Fragrance: The blossoms of the Meyer lemon tree have a pleasant, citrusy aroma that can infuse outdoor and indoor spaces with a refreshing scent.
- Dwarf Variety: As a naturally smaller citrus tree, Meyer lemon is well-suited for container gardening and can be grown indoors where climate conditions are unsuitable for traditional citrus trees.
- Improved Soil Health: Like other citrus plants, Meyer lemon can help improve soil quality through leaf drop and root activity, which can enhance soil structure and fertility.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the Meyer lemon tree attract bees and other pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem and biodiversity.
- Educational Interest: Growing Meyer lemon can provide educational opportunities for both adults and children to learn about plant care, growth cycles, and the importance of fruit in the diet.
- Versatile Harvest: The fruits of the Meyer lemon can be used fresh, juiced, or preserved, offering a variety of ways to enjoy and store the harvest throughout the year.
Medical Properties- Source of Vitamin C: Meyer lemon is high in Vitamin C, which is essential for immune system function and skin health.
- Antioxidant properties: The fruit contains flavonoids which have antioxidant properties, possibly helping to reduce oxidative stress.
- Digestive aid: Meyer lemon juice is traditionally used to aid digestion and alleviate some gastrointestinal disorders.
- Antimicrobial activity: The juice and extracts have shown antimicrobial properties in studies, possibly helping prevent infections.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil from Meyer lemon may be used in aromatherapy for its calming effect and potential to improve mood.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Meyer lemons can be used as a natural, non-toxic insect repellent due to their strong aromatic oils, which insects find off-putting.
- The zest from Meyer lemons can be infused into olive oil to create a citrus-flavored dressing for salads or as a unique marinade for meats and vegetables.
- Meyer lemon juice mixed with water can serve as an eco-friendly cleaning agent that cuts through grease and disinfects surfaces.
- Dried and powdered Meyer lemon peel can be added to bath salts for a refreshing and rejuvenating bath time experience.
- Whole Meyer lemons can be pickled in salt and used as a condiment or flavor enhancer in various dishes, particularly in Indian and Moroccan cuisines.
- Meyer lemon leaves can be used for their aromatic properties by placing them in cupboards or drawers as a natural way to keep clothes smelling fresh.
- Candied Meyer lemon slices are a unique treat and can also serve as an elegant decoration for desserts or garnishes for cocktails.
- The juice of Meyer lemons can be used in homemade hair rinses to reduce oiliness and add a shine to hair due to its acidic nature.
- Meyer lemons can be used in art projects as natural stamps or as a source of colorant for dyes, due to their vibrant color and unique shape.
- The essential oils extracted from Meyer lemons are sometimes used in aromatherapy to help alleviate stress and improve mood with their fresh, uplifting scent.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Meyer lemon tree is believed to bring positive energy in Feng Shui, often associated with abundance and prosperity due to its ever-bearing fruit. It should be placed in the wealth area of your home or garden, which is the southeast sector, to help attract financial success. Additionally, because it purifies the air and is full of life, it can contribute to a harmonious and healthful atmosphere.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Meyer lemon tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Cleansing: Meyer lemons are often associated with cleanliness and purification because of their fresh scent and natural acidity, which can disinfect and remove stains.
- Healing: The vitamin C content in Meyer lemons symbolizes health and healing, as it is crucial for repairing tissues and maintaining a strong immune system.
- Brightness: The bright yellow color of the Meyer lemon is commonly linked to positivity, happiness, and mental clarity, aligning it with the brightness of the sun.
- Renewal: The tart, refreshing flavor of the lemon suggests a sense of renewal or a fresh start, similar to the cleansing feeling after a spring rain.
- Longevity: In some cultures, Meyer lemons represent long life, possibly due to their preservative qualities and the long shelf life of citrus fruits.
- Love and Friendship: Meyer lemon trees are often given as gifts, symbolizing deep affection and the nurturing of relationships, as they require care to flourish.
WaterMeyer lemons should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Deep, thorough watering is preferable, ensuring that the water reaches the deeper roots. In hot, dry conditions, water the plant roughly once a week, using about 1-2 gallons, depending on the size and stage of growth of your citrus tree. During winter, reduce the watering frequency to every two weeks or when the soil is dry to the touch. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging as Meyer lemon trees are sensitive to overwatering.
LightMeyer lemon trees prefer full sunlight to produce the best fruit. They should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Place the tree in a south-facing location if it is indoors to ensure it gets adequate light. If outdoor, an unobstructed spot that captures plenty of sun is ideal.
TemperatureMeyer lemon trees thrive in temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 32 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. For optimal growth and fruiting, keep the Meyer lemon tree in a spot where temperatures remain consistently within the ideal range.
PruningPruning Meyer lemon trees improves sunlight penetration and air circulation, which can enhance fruit production and reduce disease. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and shape the tree to maintain an open, accessible structure. Pruning may also be done to control the size of the tree, especially if it's being grown in a container.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMeyer lemon trees thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix of 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 sand, and 1/3 perlite or vermiculite is ideal for ensuring proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingMeyer lemon trees should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or whenever they become root-bound or outgrow their current pot.
Humidity & MistingMeyer lemon trees prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 60%. They thrive with consistent moisture in the air but not too much to prevent fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and consistent watering for Meyer lemon.
Outdoor
Place in full sun, shelter from wind, and protect when temperatures drop.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleMeyer lemon starts its life cycle with seed germination, where the seed absorbs water and begins to grow roots and a shoot. The seedling stage follows, marked by the development of a stem and leaves that engage in photosynthesis. As it enters the vegetative stage, it grows larger and develops more leaves, branches, and possibly thorns. After a few years, it reaches the reproductive stage, where it flowers and, if properly pollinated, sets fruit. The fruits mature over several months, turning from green to yellow, and eventually are ready for harvest. After many productive years, the plant will eventually enter senescence, its growth slows, and it may produce fewer fruits until it dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Meyer lemon tree, a sweeter cousin of the standard lemon, is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is generally done in later summer when the tree’s growth begins to harden yet still retains flexibility. To propagate through cuttings, a healthy branch is selected and cut into lengths of 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters), ensuring each piece has at least one leaf node. The cut end is then treated with a rooting hormone to encourage growth and is planted in a mixture of moistened potting soil and sand to provide a balance of drainage and water retention. The cutting should be placed in a warm, bright location without direct sunlight to avoid drying out. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted as a new Meyer lemon tree.
