Plants 101

How To Care for a Meyer Lemon

Learn how to care and create the best growing conditions for a Meyer Lemon.

Back to Blog
How To Care for a Meyer Lemon

Meyer Lemon at a Glance:

  • Sunlight: Full sun. Requires 6–8 hours of direct light daily.

  • Water: Keep soil moist but well-drained; allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings.

  • Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 8–11 outdoors; zones 3–7 should grow in containers and move indoors for winter.

  • Care Tip: To encourage fruit production indoors, give the branches a gentle shake or use a small paintbrush to hand-pollinate the blossoms, as there are no bees inside to do the job for you!

The Meyer lemon (Citrus x meyeri) is a favorite among gardeners for its sweet, thin-skinned fruit and fragrant white blossoms. A cross between a traditional lemon and a mandarin orange, the Meyer lemon is more compact and resilient than other citrus varieties, making it an ideal choice for both sunny backyards and indoor sunny windows.

Whether you are growing your tree in a pot on your city balcony or in a lush garden bed, here is everything you need to know to keep your Meyer lemon thriving.

What kind of light does a Meyer lemon tree need?

Meyer lemons are sun-worshippers. To produce those juicy yellow fruits, they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. When growing outdoors, choose the sunniest spot in your garden, though in extremely hot climates, a little afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch. For indoor trees, place your plant in an unobstructed south-facing window to receive full sun conditions. If your home doesn't get enough natural light, supplement with a grow light to keep the tree productive.

How often should you water a Meyer lemon?

Meyer lemons do not like "wet feet," which can lead to root rot. If you are growing in planters, check the soil every few days by sticking your finger a few inches into the dirt. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes. For trees planted in the ground, established Meyer lemons are moderately drought-tolerant but will produce better fruit with regular deep waterings once or twice a week. 

How much humidity does an indoor Meyer lemon tree need?

Since Meyer lemons are native to more tropical climates, they thrive in environments with roughly 50% to 60% humidity. Most homes, especially during the winter when the heater is running, have much drier air, which can cause the leaves to turn brown at the tips or drop off entirely.

To keep your tree happy indoors, using a humidifier is the best and most consistent way to localize humidity around your plant. Unlike misting, which only provides a temporary moisture boost, a humidifier maintains a steady, controlled environment that mimics the tree's natural habitat.

How do you choose the right soil and fertilizer for Meyer lemons?
Meyer lemons prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil. For container plants, use an organic, well-draining potting mix to ensure proper aeration. Avoid heavy garden soils which can compact in containers. Regarding fertilizer, citrus trees are "heavy feeders." To take the guesswork out of feeding, we recommend our Lemon Tree Care Kit. It features a yearly container and everything you need packed with exactly what your plant craves—from root to fruit!
How do you care for a Meyer lemon tree indoors vs. outdoors?
For outdoor growing in Zones 8–11, Meyer lemons can stay outside year-round in the ground or in large containers. During rare frost warnings, cover your tree with burlap or a frost cloth to protect new growth and any fruit.
For indoor/patio growing in Zones 3–7, keep your tree in a container and move it outside (optional) in late spring once the danger of frost has passed. In the fall, bring it back inside when night temperatures drop below 50°F. Always acclimate your tree slowly over a week when moving it to prevent leaf drop caused by sudden environmental changes.
How and when should you repot a Meyer lemon tree?
Wait at least one week after your tree arrives to allow it to acclimate to its new environment before repotting it out of the plastic grow pot. Choose a container that is only 1-2 inches larger than the current one to ensure the soil doesn't stay too saturated.
FAQ's
What is the difference between a Meyer lemon bush and a Meyer lemon tree?

Both are the exact same plant (Citrus x meyeri), but they are pruned and trained differently! A bush is allowed to grow branches lower to the ground, creating a fuller appearance. A tree (or standard) has been pruned to have a single, clear trunk with the foliage and fruit-bearing branches concentrated at the top.

How long does it take for a Meyer lemon tree to produce fruit? 

Depending on the size, some species may already be producing fruit when they arrive or will start within their first season. Generally though, you can expect fruit within 1 to 2 years for most  trees. However, if you are growing a Meyer lemon from a seed, it can take anywhere from 7 to 10 years to reach maturity and begin producing blossoms.

Are Meyer lemon trees toxic to pets?

Yes, like most citrus trees, Meyer lemons contain essential oils (limonene and linalool) and psoralens that are toxic to dogs and cats. While the fruit is usually fine in small amounts, the leaves, bark, and skin can cause digestive upset or skin irritation if ingested or touched.

How do I prune my Meyer lemon tree and when is the best time?

Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before the new growth cycle begins. Focus on removing "suckers" (vigorous shoots growing from the base of the trunk), dead wood, and any branches that are crossing or crowding the center of the tree to improve airflow and light penetration.

Words By The Sill

Empowering all people to be plant people—a collection of articles from The Sill's team of plant experts across a variety of plant care topics to inspire confidence in the next generation of plant parents. Welcome to Plant Parenthood™.

Do Some Plant Shopping