Buddhas Hand

This unusual lemon tree (Citrus Medica var. sarcodactylus) produces many fingered yellow fruits. One of the oldest members of the citrus family the fruits are highly perfumed and prized for their zest. The lemon fingers can be finely sliced or grated for use in salads and desserts and commercially they are used in perfumes and to flavour vodka. These attractive lemon trees can bring pleasure for years, with the right care.

Buddhas hand citrus trees need plenty of light. A conservatory is ideal but they will also be happy near a window in a cool, bright room. In the summer, your lemon tree will enjoy a patio in sun or partial shade. However young trees are not hardy and will need to come inside as soon as there is a nip in the evening air. When indoors, try to keep your plant away from radiators.

While your lemon tree is in a pot it will need regular watering. Remove the pot from inside its basket or container. Water thoroughly from the top until excess water drains right through the pot and out of the bottom. This will ensure the roots at the bottom get the water they need. In the winter you should expect to water thoroughly once every 7-10 days, in the summer months you may need to water up to 3 times a week but do not stand your plant in water. Don't worry if the top of the soil feels dry between waterings, but if the leaves start to droop or curl you know it is thirsty, so water straight away. Your buddhas hand will benefit from citrus feed every week or two to encourage growth.

Lemon trees grow quite slowly; if you need to, repot in the spring in citrus compost. Buddhas Hands don't follow a strict season and can fruit or flower at any point during the year. The fragrant flowers will give way to small green knotted looking fruit that will slowly uncurl and ripen to a bright yellow.

Buddhas hand lemon trees are not the easiest of plants but they are very rewarding. Look out for signs of trouble and try to treat problems early. The most common problem is leaves dropping due to over or under watering. If leaves are crisp when they drop, this is due to underwatering; if they are leathery the chances are it has been over watered. A return to a regular and thorough watering routine should lead to recovery. If new growth is very light in colour or has mottled markings your plant may be lacking trace elements. A good dose of citrus feed should soon green up the leaves. Our lemon trees are grown in a pesticide free environment. In the unlikely event that you find pests eg. aphids these can be removed by hand or with a soap and water spray.