Citrus trees

[lucysmum]

I have recently bought a lemon, lime and orange tree. I thought they would like it in our heated conservatory . They got off to a good start, new shoots, leafs and flowers, then I notice red spider mite, the flowers set, then the baby fruit fell. I have sprayed for the mite, but the leafs are still falling off with no new ones. They look very sorry now.
I'm not sure whether to just put it down to experience and get rid of them, or struggle on. Will the mite spread to my other house plants? The plants really look a mess at the minute, with more leafs falling daily.
Has anyone any ideas, please.

[PLUMPUDDING]

What temperature is it in your conservatory? They sometimes drop their leaves when they have been too cold.

Citrus also like a bit of moisture in the air - a fine spray occasionally is good. It also deters the red spider mite who thrive in dry conditions and don't like humidity.

I wouldn't throw the plants out yet. They quite often recover if you can get the conditions right, but they aren't the easiest of plants to care for. At least you can put them outside in a sheltered spot for the summer which will probably suit them better than indoors but don't forget to water them and bring them back in again before the frosts.

They also like a regular spoonful of citrus feed in their water - they need acid conditions, and using rainwater is better than tap water if you are in a hard water area.

[FelixLeiter]

When they are growing vigorously, citrus need plentiful and constant watering. Although they enjoy heat at this time, they do need to be kept cool in the winter, when watering should be reduced to keep them just moist. Full sunshine and fresh air is what they really like which is why they are usually put outside for the summer. This may also clear them of the Red Spider Mite, which thrives in stuffy conditions. It's still just a bit chilly for them to go out just yet, though. There is no purpose in feeding your trees until they are growing noticeably. Citrus are not particular about pH, per se, but they are sensitive to changes in levels of micronutrients which extremes of acidity or alkalinity can lock up.

[PLUMPUDDING]

Thanks for clarifying the acidity comment Felix, I meant they are happier on the acid side of neutral given the choice but not so fussy as to need ericaceous compost or anything so drastic.

I have found limes difficult and lost two kaffir limes, but ordinary limes seem more robust.

The main problem I have at the moment is scale insect and am considering getting some incarsia wasps to control it.

[AdeTheSpade]

I have had exactly the same problem with a lemon tree in my conservatory, it's dropped loads of leaves, and has also had a spider mite infestation. So thanks so much for the tips re what lemon trees like - I've now been spraying with rainwater, put the tree outside during the day, watered it more thoroughly and consistently, and am hoping it will give it a new lease of life. Very helpful info Felix and Plumpudding - thanks again.

[FelixLeiter]

If a citrus gets in a really bad state, you can always cut your losses by pruning it hard. I had a lemon once dropped most of its leaves and, yes, was infested with red spider, to which they are a martyr. I pruned it very hard, removing all leafy branches in the process, leaving it bare. I then put it outside for the summer. By the autumn it had made vigorous new growth, free of pests.

[lucysmum]

Thank you everyone for your help, sorry for delay in getting back.
I have pruned all the trees back, so they look like bare sticks! Bit scarey. But already there are new shoots appearing that look really healthy. Now it is warmer, they are all outside in a sheltered spot.
Home made lemonade next year maybe!!