Chinese lemon Plant Care

Chinese lemon (Citrus cavaleriei) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Citrus genus. Chinese lemon is also known as Ichang lemon.

Chinese lemon displays a small to medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Chinese lemon produces fragrant white flowers with waxy petals.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese lemon every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese lemon thrives in full sun.

Citrus cavaleriei tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F. Chinese lemon prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Chinese lemon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese lemon every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese lemon is suited to USDA Zone 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese lemon can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese lemon while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Chinese lemon is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese lemon can be propagated through seeds, grafting, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lemon tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Chinese lemon is susceptible to citrus leafminer, citrus whitefly, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese lemon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12b. In cooler regions, grow Chinese lemon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.