Lemon plant is dying

Hello Everyone,

I am very new to gardening. Last year I started to grow lemon plants (hopefully at some point in the future real trees) and I've kept them in my office. We don't get lots of light/sun, but the plants still started to grow and looked good for a while.

Now 3 weeks ago I went on holiday and when I came back my plant had started to look dry and leaves had fallen off. I have no idea what's going on. I have tried to make sure the soil is kept moist, but not wet. I don't think I'm over-watering it.

Does anyone have an idea what the problem could be? I had it next to the window. Maybe it was too drafty? I can't open the window, but it's quite an old building, so not very well insulated.

I'd be so happy about any helpful advice!

 

It will need free draining soil, as much light as you can give it,and keep it away from the cold glass at night.

 

Actually it looks like scorch to me.
Sunshine through glass that the plant is not used to.

 

Above all, don't water it thinking you'll be doing it a kindness! Citrus hate waterlogged roots, so never stand them in a saucer of water, wait until the compost is fairly dry before watering and let the excess drain away. The cooler the temperature, the less water they need.

 

I don't think it's scorch. I've put the plant away from the window about 2 weeks ago, and it's got worse. I put a bit of fertiliser in the water for the first time last time I watered it, which was Friday and it looks even worse now. How can I find out if the roots are swimming in water? The top soil looks fairly dry to me. I never drown it, only ever give it a few mL of water. Can I just swap out the soil for some more sand based one? Not sure if that would give the plant the rest. I am so confused. I have no idea what it wants from me.

 

I think it’s drowning. Lemons need very little water in winter.