There’s something deeply satisfying about growing your own lemon tree—especially when it starts from a humble cutting. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also gives you control over the variety and quality of the fruit. Plus, growing lemons in pots makes it accessible whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to propagate a lemon tree from cuttings, root them in water, and nurture them into thriving potted trees. With just a bit of care and patience, you’ll soon enjoy the fresh, citrusy scent—and fruit—of your very own lemon tree.
What You’ll Need
- Pruning shears
- A healthy lemon tree (for cuttings)
- Glass or jar
- Clean, distilled water
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Small pots with drainage holes
- Potting mix designed for citrus trees
- Plastic bags or clear wrap
- Rubber bands or plant ties
- A sunny window or grow lights
Step 1: Harvest Healthy Cuttings
The first step is to harvest softwood cuttings from a healthy lemon tree. Softwood is the newer growth; it is easier to root than older branches. Each cutting should be about 4–6 inches long with a few leaves. Make your cut just below a node (the small bump where the leaves or branches grow) because this is ultimately where the new root will form.
Step 2: Prepare the Cuttings
Carefully strip all of the leaves from the bottom 2/3 of each cutting, leaving a few at the tip. This will allow the plant to put its energy toward growing new roots. For a little better chance of propagating, you may want to dip the cut end in rooting hormone. It is not necessary; however, this increases the chances of serious root development.
Step 3: Start the Rooting Process in Water
You will place the cuttings into glass or jar of distilled water so that at least two leaf nodes are underwater. You will want to keep the container in a well-lit and warm area that is not in direct sunlight. You will want to change the water every couple of days to keep the water fresh and to prevent bacteria. You should see root development in 2–6 weeks.
Step 4: Preparing the Cuttings for Potting
When the roots are about 2-3 inches long, the cuttings are ready to be planted in pots. You will want small pots (6–8 inches wide) with some drainage holes so that water does not pool. You will want to fill the cuttings pots with a citrus specialty potting mix that provides optimal drainage and nutrients. Step 5: Transplant Carefully
Using care, gently dislodge each cutting from the water—without damaging the roots. Place the cutting in your prepared potting soil, covering all the roots with soil MEDIA and ensuring the top leaves stay above ground. After transplanting – water the soil MEDIA well.
Step 5: Transplant Carefully
Gently remove each cutting from the water, being careful not to damage the delicate roots. Plant it in the prepared pot, covering the roots with soil and ensuring the top leaves stay above the surface. Water the soil well after planting.
Step 6: Create the Right Environment
Once transplanted, place your new lemon plants in a light, sunny place with lots of daily light exposure. If you don’t have enough light exposure, then use grow lights to supplement the natural light. Water the soil MEDIA evenly, until lightly moist – not soaked! Perhaps cover your pot with a plastic bag or some wrap – use rubber bands or plant ties to fit snugly, but with a bit of air flow circulation to prevent mold/rot. You want to create a bit of humidity, which is especially important when your plants are young.
Step 7: Nurture and Monitor Growth
As your lemon tree plant starts to grow, you can begin to take the plastic wrapping off, to let it acclimatize to some of the room humidity without it – gradually removing the plastic wrapper leaf by leaf. Keep watering as necessary, as you want the level of soil MEDIA to be lightly moist. You should also feed the plant with a balanced package citrus fertilizer, according to the packages directions.
Eventually, your tree will grow stronger, develop more leaves and start its fruiting journey.
Closing Thoughts
Growing a lemon tree from a cutting is more than the fruit itself — it is also about the joy of nurturing life, watching something grow under your care. If you are adding zest to your recipes, or just enjoying the beautiful green foliage as an ornamental plant, a potted lemon tree can be a valuable addition to your home.
So, get out your cutting tools, take a cutting, and start today as you grow your lemons. With a bit of sunlight and attention you will be able to reap the rewards of your own citrus – from your own pot.
Happy gardening!
